Mental Health Review Tribunal panel applications

The Law Society's Mental Health Review Tribunal (MHRT) panel will reopen for applications in September 2001.The reselection programme will begin in October 2001 with those members who would have been scheduled for reselection during the period of the moratorium (from 1 January 2001).

The Law Society will carry out these reselections in batches beginning with January 2001 members and will contact individuals with the relevant application forms and other paperwork as they fall due.

The criteria for new applicants are: l Representation of clients before or observation of specified MHRT hearings (one section 2 hearing, one section 3 hearing, one restricted hearing and one other optional hearing); l Attendance at the two-day approved training course not earlier than six months prior to the date of making the application; l Attendance at an interview and a recommendation for acceptance to membership by the interviewers; and, l Compliance with the suitability criterion for the panel.

Solicitors, legal executives or clerks who work under the supervision of a solicitor, who would like to apply for membership should contact the Law Society Information Services on 0870 606 2555 or by e-mail at: panels@lawsociety.org.uk