How to Check If an Advocate Is Registered in Kenya

Updated 20 October 2026

Fake lawyers cost Kenyans land, money and court cases every year. Some are people who were never admitted; others were struck off or have not renewed their practising certificate. Checking takes a few minutes and costs nothing, because both the Law Society of Kenya and the Judiciary let the public search advocates online. This guide explains how to check if an advocate is registered and allowed to practise in Kenya, what the results mean and what to do if something does not add up.

What “Registered” Means for an Advocate

Under the Advocates Act, a person may act as an advocate only if three things are true: they have been admitted as an advocate, their name is on the Roll of Advocates kept by the Chief Justice, and they hold a valid practising certificate for the current year. Practising certificates are issued each year and run to the end of the calendar year, so a lawyer who was properly admitted years ago can still be unqualified to act today if they have not renewed. It is an offence for an unqualified person to act as an advocate, and documents prepared by one can be challenged.

Method 1: The Judiciary Advocate Search

The Judiciary runs an Advocates Management System that holds the Roll and issues digital practising certificates. On the Judiciary website, open the page for advocates and follow the link to search advocates. You can search by name or admission number.

1. Type the advocate’s name as it appears on their letterhead or business card. If there are many results, add their admission number, which advocates quote on documents.
2. Check that the name matches exactly, including all the names they use.
3. Look at the practising status for the current year.

The same system has a verify certificate page. Every digital practising certificate carries a unique number. Ask the advocate for a copy of their current certificate, enter the number, and the system will confirm whether it is genuine and whose name it belongs to.

Method 2: The Law Society of Kenya Portal

The Law Society of Kenya, which every practising advocate must belong to, has an online portal where members of the public can search for an advocate. The search shows the advocate’s details and whether they are a current member. Use it alongside the Judiciary search, especially if the Judiciary result is unclear.

You will find direct links to both systems, and to the registers for doctors, nurses, engineers and other professionals, on our page on how to check if a professional is registered in Kenya.

Checking the Law Firm

If you are dealing with a firm, check the individual advocate who will handle your matter and sign documents, not just the firm’s name. Visit the office if you can. A genuine firm has a physical address, letterhead with the advocates’ names, and a client account for holding your money.

What the Results Mean

• Found, with a current practising certificate: the person is an advocate allowed to practise this year. Confirm they are the same person by checking their ID or meeting them at their office, because fraudsters sometimes pose as real advocates.
• Found, but no current certificate: they are on the Roll but may not act for you until they renew. Ask them and wait until the certificate is issued.
• Not found: try other spellings and the admission number. If you still cannot find them, do not hand over documents or money. Ask for their admission number and certificate number and check again.

Red Flags

• They will not give an admission number or certificate number.
• They ask you to pay purchase money or fees into a personal M-Pesa number or personal bank account instead of the firm’s client account.
• They claim to have special access to judges, registries or land officers.
• The office is “temporary” or meetings are only in cafes.
• They rush you to sign documents you have not read.

If You Have Been Defrauded

Report a fake advocate to the police and to the Law Society of Kenya. Complaints of professional misconduct against a genuine advocate go to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal, and the Law Society can advise on the process. Keep copies of all receipts, messages and documents. If the matter involved land, alert the lands registry and do a fresh search on the parcel so you know whether any transfer has been registered.

Buying land? Read our land transfer guide before you instruct anyone, and work out the government costs with the land transfer cost calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a lawyer is genuine in Kenya?

Search their name or admission number on the Judiciary advocate search and the Law Society of Kenya portal, and verify their practising certificate number on the Judiciary system.

What is a practising certificate?

It is the annual licence that allows an admitted advocate to practise. It runs to the end of the calendar year and must be renewed.

Can an advocate practise without a current certificate?

No. Acting as an advocate without a valid practising certificate is not allowed under the Advocates Act.

Where do I report a fake advocate?

Report to the police and the Law Society of Kenya. Misconduct by a real advocate goes to the Advocates Disciplinary Tribunal.

Is the search free?

Yes, both the Judiciary and LSK searches are free for the public.