PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LAW SOCIETY OF NORTHERN IRELAND
Enhancing Compliance & Identity Verification for Legal Professionals
This partnership aligns with the Law Society’s strategic objectives to enhance member practices and safeguard against compliance risks.
Introduction to Digital Identity with SureCert
Introduction
The legal profession is increasingly challenged by the need to maintain efficiency, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate risks associated with identity fraud during client onboarding and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes.
To address these issues, the Law Society of Northern Ireland has the opportunity to collaborate with locally based SureCert, a provider of advanced digital identity verification solutions, on a pilot designed for solicitors.
What is Digital Identity?
Digital identity is the electronic representation of an individual’s identity, used to verify who they are online or in digital interactions. For the legal profession, it simplifies processes such as client onboarding, Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance and even corporate identity verification by verifying identities using advanced technologies like biometrics, document verification and encryption, as well as relying on sources of truth for proof of address and fraud risk from traditional sources, such as Experian.
This ensures efficiency and consistency of approach, reduces fraud risks and supports adherence to legal standards whilst maintaining client and regulator trust – and confidentiality. It also provides a quicker and more attractive user experience for clients.
Who is SureCert
SureCert is a digital identity company specialising in innovative document verification and identity authentication solutions tailored to streamline and secure processes across various sectors, especially the public sector and regulated industries.
With a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) – powered technology, SureCert offers advanced tools that validate identities, confirm addresses, verify entitlements and checks for fraud flags, making it easier for organisations to meet (and prove through audit) compliance standards and reduce administrative burdens.
SureCert has a proven track record in digital identity verification being Northern Ireland Government’s digital identity provider for citizen access to services through NI Direct, which includes legal aid applications.
Over 80% of Northern Ireland’s adult population have been verified using its technologies. SureCert is the first digital identity organisation to automate additional Identity documents, such as Birth Certificates and Bank Statements.
Finally, SureCert is also the Identity and Corporate fraud provider to Invest NI and the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and is the digital identity policy advisor to the Government of Thailand.
How it Works
Solicitors invite clients onto SureCert’s online identity verification platform via an email. Clients are then guided through the key stages of a digital identity check, which includes:
Identity Verification
The client provides their name, address, and date of birth for initial verification. These details are checked against trusted data sources such as Experian to validate identity information from a wide range of trusted sources.
Document Submission
The client uploads a photo of their Driving Licence or Passport (all globally accepted documents supported). AI algorithms cross-check the personal details with the document for accuracy and fraud detection.
Liveness Check
To ensure the client is physically present, they take a selfie and complete a liveness check. AI technology matches the selfie to the ID document to confirm identity and prevent impersonation fraud.
ID Check Complete in c.6 Seconds
Once the check has been submitted, SureCert’s digital identity solution can verify the client’s information within approximately six seconds. This rapid verification process enhances efficiency by minimising manual intervention and optimising the client onboarding experience.
Enhanced Checks
Additional fraud detection measures provide further security, including proof of funds check, email & phone risk scoring, global sanctions & PEP checks, adverse financial, adverse media & company checks. SureCert’s LastMile solution automates non-core document verification, ensuring a thorough and reliable process.


Alignment with the
Law Society’s Objectives
This partnership aligns with the Law Society of Northern Ireland’s strategic objectives to enhance member practices and safeguard against compliance risks. It supports the Law Society’s commitment to:
Trusted Excellence
Key Benefits to Members
Efficiency Improvements
Streamlines identity verification processes, reducing reliance on manual checks and providing a positive user experience for the client; and
Enables client verification in under six seconds, optimising workflow efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance
Adheres to GDPR, UK Government digital ID best practice framework, AML), and KYC regulations through the application of highly advanced AI-powered tools; and
Provides comprehensive audit trails for regulatory reporting.
Fraud Prevention
Incorporates advanced fraud detection measures to identify document forgery and identity theft in a consistent way, eliminating human error; and
Reduces risks to solicitors and their clients.
Inclusive Verification
Supports verification for individuals without traditional forms of identification, promoting equitable access; and
Strengthens client trust through inclusive service delivery.
Leadership in Innovation
Positions participating solicitors as confident and safe adopters of technological advancements that have already been proven at scale; and
Reinforces the Law Society’s role as a proponent of modernised legal practices.
Pilot Programme Structure
Participating members of the Law Society will agree the extent of the checks required and gain early access to SureCert’s range of checks. Feedback gathered during the pilot will inform further refinement of the solution, ensuring it meets the specific requirements of the legal sector in Northern Ireland.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is this pilot programme about?
This pilot programme is a collaboration between SureCert and the Law Society of Northern Ireland, offering legal professionals access to an advanced digital identity verification solution. The programme aims to enhance Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, fraud prevention, and client onboarding efficiency.
2. Who is eligible to participate?
TMembers of the Law Society of Northern Ireland can take part in the pilot, particularly solicitors and legal professionals who handle client identity verification as part of their onboarding and compliance processes.
3. How long will the pilot programme run?
The pilot will run for a limited period, during which participating firms will gain early access to SureCert’s KYC tools and provide feedback to help refine the solution.
4. Is there a cost to participate?
The pilot programme is free to join, and participants will gain early access to SureCert’s identity verification tools. If firms choose to continue using SureCert after the pilot, pricing details will be provided.
5. How does SureCert’s digital identity verification work?
SureCert’s platform uses AI-driven technology to streamline identity verification in five key steps:
1️⃣ Identity Verification – Checking name, address, and date of birth against trusted sources.
2️⃣ Document Submission – Verifying passports and driving licences with AI-powered fraud detection.
3️⃣ Liveness Check – Matching a real-time selfie to the ID document.
4️⃣ ID Check Completion – Completing identity verification in ~6 seconds.
5️⃣ Enhanced Checks – Additional fraud detection measures such as PEP, sanctions, and adverse financial screening.
6. How quickly is a client’s identity verified?
SureCert can verify a client’s identity in approximately six seconds, making the onboarding process faster and more efficient.
7. What happens if a client doesn’t have a passport or driving licence?
If a client cannot provide a passport or driving licence, SureCert can automate verification of alternative identity documents to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
8. Can solicitors pass on verification costs to clients?
Yes. The cost of a check can be added as a disbursement to the client’s final bill, ensuring transparency and cost-effectiveness for legal professionals.
9. Is SureCert’s solution compliant with legal regulations?
Yes. SureCert adheres to GDPR, AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations, and UK Government digital ID best practices. The system ensures full data security, compliance, and regulatory reporting.
10. How does SureCert prevent fraud?
SureCert incorporates advanced AI fraud detection, including:
✅ Document authentication to detect forgery.
✅ Liveness detection to prevent impersonation fraud.
✅ Sanctions & PEP checks to identify politically exposed persons and financial risks.
✅ Adverse financial & media screening to flag potential fraud risks.
11. Is SureCert’s identity verification secure?
Absolutely. SureCert uses encrypted data transmission, multi-layer fraud detection, and secure storage to protect all client information.
12. How can I register for the pilot programme?
You can register your interest by filling out the form on this page or contacting SureCert directly:
📧 Email: fergus.mcgrath@surecert.com
📞 Call: +44 (0) 7912 777 717
13. What happens after I register?
Once you register, a SureCert representative will reach out with details on onboarding, accessing the platform, and getting started with the pilot.
14. Will I receive training or support?
Yes. Participants will receive guidance and support to ensure a smooth onboarding experience and to answer any questions throughout the pilot.
15. What happens after the pilot ends?
After the pilot, participating firms will have the opportunity to:
✅ Continue using SureCert’s digital identity verification tools.
✅ Provide feedback to refine the solution.
✅ Explore future integration options with their legal practice.
Still have questions?
📧 Contact fergus.mcgrath@surecert.com
📞 Call +44 (0) 7912 777 717

