Part 4The legal profession

Chapter 3Solicitors and other representatives

The 1980 Act: further modification

137Suspension from practice

(1)

In section 18 (suspension of practising certificates) of the 1980 Act—

(a)

after subsection (1) insert—

“(1ZA)

The Council may suspend from practice a solicitor who—

(a)

has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, or

(b)

in respect of an offence, has been—

(i)

fined an amount equivalent to level 4 on the standard scale or more (whether on summary or solemn conviction), or

(ii)

sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or more.”,

(b)

in subsection (2), after “subsection (1)” insert “or (1ZA)”.

(2)

In section 19 (further provisions relating to suspension of practising certificates) of the 1980 Act—

(a)

after subsection (5A) insert—

“(5B)

A suspension from practice arising by virtue of section 18(1ZA) expires if the grounds for it no longer apply.

(5C)

On the occurrence of any of the circumstances mentioned in subsections (4) to (5B), the solicitor concerned must notify the Council in writing (and without delay).”,

(b)

in subsection (6), after “section 18(1)” insert “or by virtue of section 18(1ZA)”.

(3)

In section 24F (suspension of registration certificate) of the 1980 Act—

(a)

after subsection (1) insert—

“(1A)

The Council may suspend from practice a registered European lawyer who—

(a)

has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, or

(b)

in respect of an offence, has been—

(i)

fined an amount equivalent to level 4 on the standard scale or more (whether on summary or solemn conviction), or

(ii)

sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or more.”,

(b)

in subsection (2), after “subsection (1)” insert “or (1A)”.

(4)

In section 24G (further provisions relating to suspension of registration certificate) of the 1980 Act—

(a)

after subsection (4) insert—

“(4A)

A suspension from practice arising by virtue of section 24F(1A) expires if the grounds for it no longer apply.

(4B)

On the occurrence of any of the circumstances mentioned in subsections (2) to (4A), the lawyer concerned must notify the Council in writing (and without delay).”,

(b)

in subsection (5), after “section 24F(1)” insert “or by virtue of section 24F(1A)”.