Part 4The legal profession
Chapter 3Solicitors and other representatives
Removal of practising restrictions
I1124Practice rules for licensed providers
1
After section 33B of the 1980 Act insert—
33CLicensed legal services providers
1
Subsection (2) applies to any rule made under section 34 which prohibits or unduly restricts the—
a
involvement of solicitors in or with, or employment of solicitors by, licensed legal services providers,
b
provision of services by licensed providers, or
c
operation of licensed providers in other respects.
2
The rule is of no effect in so far as it does so (and for this purpose it is immaterial when the rule was made).
3
The reference in subsection (1)(a) to solicitors does not include a solicitor who is disqualified from practice by reason of having been—
a
struck off (or removed from) the roll, or
b
suspended from practice.
2
In addition—
a
in section 34 (rules as to professional practice, conduct and discipline) of the 1980 Act—
i
in subsection (1A)(f), for “, or incorporated practices which, are partners in or directors of multi-disciplinary practices” substitute “
have an interest in or are employed by (or otherwise within) licensed legal services providers
”
,
ii
subsection (3A) is repealed,
b
in section 64A(1) of that Act, paragraph (b) and the word “; or” immediately preceding it are repealed,
c
in section 64B of that Act, the words “or such as is mentioned in section 34(3A)” are repealed,
d
in section 64D(6) of that Act, for “sections 25A(9) or (10) and 34(3A)” substitute “
section 25A(9) or (10)
”
,
e
in section 65(1) of that Act—
i
the definition of “multi-disciplinary practice” is repealed,
ii
in the definition of “unqualified person”, the words “, other than a multi-disciplinary practice,” are repealed,
f
in section 17(23) of the 1990 Act—
i
paragraph (c) is repealed,
ii
the subsequent words “, multi-disciplinary practice” are repealed,
g
in paragraph 29(15) of Schedule 8 to that Act—
i
in head (c), the insertion (into section 65(1) of the 1980 Act) of the definition of “multi-disciplinary practice” is repealed,
ii
head (f) and the word “and” immediately preceding it are repealed.
3
Subject to section 33C of the 1980 Act, nothing in Part 2 affects the operation of any rule which regulates in respect of any matter the professional practice, conduct or discipline of solicitors.