Legal Services Act 2007

9 In section 18 (suspension or termination of licences), after subsection (2) insert—

“(2A) Where the power conferred by paragraph 6(1) or 9(1) of Schedule 5 has been exercised in relation to a licensed conveyancer by virtue of paragraph 1(1)(a)(i), (aa), (c) or (e) of that Schedule, the exercise of that power shall operate immediately to suspend any licence held by that person under this Part.

(2B) Subsection (2A) does not apply if, at the time when the power referred to there is exercised, the Council directs that subsection (2A) is not to apply in relation to the licensed conveyancer concerned.

(2C) If, at the time when the power referred to in subsection (2A) is exercised, the Council gives a direction to that effect, the licensed conveyancer concerned may continue to act in relation to any matter specified in the direction as if the licence had not been suspended by virtue of subsection (2A), but subject to such conditions (if any) as the Council sees fit to impose.

(2D) Subject to subsection (2E), where a licence is suspended by virtue of subsection (2A) the suspension of the licence shall continue until the licence expires.

(2E) The licensed conveyancer may, at any time before the licence expires, apply to the Council to terminate the suspension.

(2F) On an application under subsection (2E), the Council may in its discretion—

(a) by order terminate the suspension either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as the Council may think fit, or

(b) refuse the application.

(2G) If on an application by a licensed conveyancer under subsection (2E) the Council refuses the application or terminates the suspension subject to conditions, the licensed conveyancer may appeal against the decision of the Council to the High Court which may—

(a) affirm the decision, or

(b) terminate the suspension either unconditionally or subject to such conditions as it may think fit.

(2H) In relation to an appeal under subsection (2G) the High Court may make such order as it thinks fit as to payment of costs.”