FAQs - LAMS - Your nidirect account

When do I need to create my nidirect account?

You can do this at any time, but you must do it before you can create your LAMS digital account.

How do I create an nidirect account?

This depends on whether you are a solicitor/barrister or an employee.

Solicitor/Barrister

1. Go to www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/create-or-log-solicitor-or-barristers-nidirect-account.
2. Enter the personal details requested.
3. Activate the account by replying to the email you receive.

You will receive an authentication code which you must take to one of the 13 authentication centres throughout Northern Ireland, along with the approved items of identification.

You must do this within 5 days of receiving your authentication code. A full explanation of the process can be found at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/identity-assurance.

Employee

1. Go to www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/create-or-log-employees-legal-aid-account.
2. Enter the personal details requested.
3. Activate the account by replying to the email you receive.

What information and documentation is required to create an nidirect account?

To create your account online you need your own individual email account.

For authentication you need to bring at least three documents from the lists, which are detailed at:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/identity-assurance.

Why do I need to create an nidirect account?

The gateway to the LAMS application is via nidirect. In order to create an nidirect account to use LAMS, you must have your identity authenticated by nidirect staff so that both nidirect and LSANI can be sure that those who are using the system are who they say they are.

What happens if I don't visit a verification centre within 5 days of creating my account?

Your verification code will expire but you can generate a new code via the following link:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/identity-assurance-manage-your-account.

Do my administrative employees need to have an nidirect account?

Yes.

Their authentication process is slightly different. They will be asked to provide an email address (their personal work email).

They will receive a verification email to the email address provided.

They will need to click on the link within 24hrs of the email being received, this will create their nidirect account.

Note: Apprentices will need to have their identity verified as per qualified professionals to permit an upgrade of their LAMS account when they become qualified.

I already have an nidirect account that I use for Access NI/Compensation Services. Does this mean that I don't need to do anything?

No.

A higher level of security accreditation is required for LAMS than is required for Access NI or Compensation Services. This means that you need to uplift your account to the higher level.

You can do this by logging into your existing nidirect account via the legal aid page: www.nidirect.gov.uk/nidirect-legal-aid

This will take you to a screen asking you to 'set memorable information'.

Follow the instructions and then, within 5 calendar days, you will need to attend one of our verification centres to present the necessary identification.

Your account will then be activated for legal aid.