(1)Without prejudice to any other provision of this Part the [F1Society may] make rules , with the concurrence of the Master of the Rolls, for regulating in respect of any matter the professional practice, conduct [F2, fitness to practise] and discipline of solicitors [F3and for empowering the Society to take such action as may be appropriate to enable the Society to ascertain whether or not the provisions of rules made, or of any code or guidance issued, by the [F4Society] are being [F5, or have been,] complied with.]
(2)If any solicitor fails to comply with rules made under this section, any person may make a complaint in respect of that failure to the Tribunal.
[F6(3)Where, under Schedule 4 to the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (approval of certain rules in connection with the grant of rights of audience or rights to conduct litigation), the [F7[F8 Secretary of State] approves any rule such as is mentioned in subsection (1), the requirement of the concurrence of the Master of the Rolls imposed by that subsection shall not apply.]]
[F6(4)Subsection (3) shall have effect whether or not the rule required to be approved under Schedule 4 to the Act of 1990.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 31(1) substituted (7.3.2008) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 177, 211, Sch. 16 para. 31(2)(a) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2008/222, art. 2(j)(i)
F2Words in s. 31(1) inserted (31.3.2009) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 177, 211, Sch. 16 para. 31(2)(c) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/503, art. 2(b)(i)
F3Words in s. 31(1) inserted (27.9.1999) by 1999 c. 22, s. 48, Sch. 7 para. 1 (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 1999/2657, art. 2(a)
F4Word in s. 31(1) substituted (7.3.2008) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 177, 211, Sch. 16 para. 31(2)(d) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2008/222, art. 2(j)(i)
F5Words in s. 31(1) inserted (31.3.2009) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 177, 211, Sch. 16 para. 31(2)(e) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/503, art. 2(b)(i)
F6S. 31(3)(4) added (1.4.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 37), s. 125(2), Sch. 17 para. 10; S.I. 1991/608, art. 2, Sch.
F7Words in s. 31(3) substituted (1.1.2000) by 1999 c. 22, s. 43, Sch. 6 para. 3 (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 1999/3344, art. 2(a) (with art. 4, Sch. 2)
F8Words in s. 31 substituted (19.8.2003) by The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/1887), art. 9, Sch. 2 para. 3
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 31 extended (14.10.1991) by Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41, SIF 76:1), s. 89(3)(a)(i)(4); S.I. 1991/1883, art.3, Sch.
S. 31 extended (22.5.2000) by S.I. 2000/1119, regs. 1, 37(3), Sch. 4 para. 1(3) (as amended (1.7.2009) by The Legal Services Act 2007 (Registered European Lawyers) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1587), art. 3(4))