Solicitors Act 1974 (c. 47)

Part I U.K. Right to Practise as Solicitor

Qualifications and training E+W

[F1 1B Restriction on practice as sole solicitor E+W

(1) Rules under section 31 (rules as to professional practice etc) must provide that a solicitor may not practise as a sole solicitor unless he has in force—

(a) a practising certificate, and

(b) an endorsement of that certificate by the Society authorising him to practise as a sole solicitor (a “sole solicitor endorsement”).

(2) The rules may provide that, for the purposes of the rules and this Act, a solicitor is not to be regarded as practising as a sole solicitor in such circumstances as may be prescribed by the rules.

(3) The rules must prescribe the circumstances in which a solicitor may be regarded by the Society as suitable to be authorised to practise as a sole solicitor.]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 1B inserted (1.7.2009) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 177, 211, Sch. 16 para. 3 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/1365, art. 2(a)(i)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 1B extended (with modifications) (1.7.2009) by S.I. 2000/1119, Sch. 4 para. 7(1) Table (as substituted by The Legal Services Act 2007 (Registered European Lawyers) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/1587), art. 3(7)(a))