Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980

1980 CHAPTER 46

An Act to consolidate certain enactments relating to solicitors and notaries public in Scotland.

[1st August 1980]

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Act applied (with modifications) (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1, 37(2), Sch. 2 para. 1; which affecting S.S.I. is revoked by S.S.I. 2019/127, regs. 1(1), 3(b) (subject to savings and transitional provisions in regs. 6-12, Sch. para. 2)

C2 Act excluded (17.5.2004) by S.I. 1978/1910, art. 18(2) (as amended by The European Communities (Services of Lawyers) Amendment (Scotland) Order 2004 (S.S.I. 2004/186), arts. 1, 6); which affecting 1978 Order is revoked by S.S.I. 2019/127, regs. 1(1), 3(a) (with regs. 4, 5)

Part I S Organisation

The Law Society of Scotland S

1 Establishment and objects of Law Society of Scotland. S

(1) The Law Society of Scotland (referred to in this Act as “the Society”) shall continue to exist and shall exercise the functions conferred upon it by this Act.

(2) The objects of the Society shall include the promotion of—

(a) the interests of the solicitors’ profession in Scotland; and

(b) the interests of the public in relation to that profession.

(3) The Society may do anything that is incidental or conducive to the exercise of these functions or the attainment of those objects.

(4) Schedule 1 shall have effect in relation to the Society.

2 Membership of Society. S

(1) Every solicitor having in force a practising certificate shall be a member of the Society.

(2) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Act, the Council may admit as a member of the Society any solicitor not having in force a practising certificate on such terms and conditions (including the payment by him of a reduced annual subscription) as they may determine.

(3) Subject to subsection (2), a solicitor shall—

(a) be treated as if he were not a member of the Society while suspended from practice as a solicitor under any enactment;

(b) cease to be a member of the Society when his practising certificate ceases to have effect.

The Council of the Law Society S

3 Establishment and functions of Council of Law Society. S

(1) The business of the Society shall continue to be conducted by the Council of the Society (referred to in this Act as “the Council”) the members of which shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of the scheme made under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1.

(2) The Council shall have the functions conferred upon them by this Act.

Valid from 01/06/2003

[F1 3A Discharge of functions of Council of the Law Society S

(1) The Council may arrange for any of their functions (other than excepted functions) to be discharged on their behalf by—

(a) a committee of the Council;

(b) a sub-committee of such a committee; or

(c) an individual (whether or not a member of the Society’s staff).

(2) Where, under subsection (1)(a), the Council have arranged for any of their functions to be discharged by a committee, the committee may, with the approval of the Council, arrange for that function to be discharged on behalf of the Council by—

(a) a sub-committee of the committee; or

(b) an individual (whether or not a member of the Society’s staff).

(3) Where, under subsection (1) or (2), the Council or a committee have arranged for any of the Council’s functions to be discharged by a sub-committee, the sub-committee may, with the approval of the Council, arrange for that function to be discharged on behalf of the Council by a member of the Society’s staff.

(4) A power given by subsection (1), (2) or (3) may be exercised so as to impose restrictions or conditions on the body or person by whom the function concerned is to be discharged.

(5) Any arrangement made under this section shall not arrange for any of the following functions of the Council to be discharged by an individual—

(a) under section 42A(1) or (2), or under section 33(1) of the 1990 Act, the functions of determining—

(i) whether to uphold or dismiss a conduct complaint (within the meaning of the said section 33(1)); and

(ii) what action to take in the matter; and

(b) under section 20(1) or (2) of the 1990 Act, the functions of determining—

(i) whether any of paragraphs (a) to (d) of the said section 20(1) apply to the practitioner; and

(ii) what action to take in the matter.

(6) An arrangement made under this section may identify an individual by name or by reference to an office or post which the individual holds.

(7) An arrangement under this section for the discharge of any of the functions of the Council may extend to any of the functions of the Society which is exercisable by the Council.

(8) Where any arrangement is made under this section for the discharge of any of the functions of the Council by a body or person, the function shall be exercised by that body or person in the name of the Council, except that, where the function in question is a function of the Society which is exercisable by the Council, it shall be exercised in the name of the Society.

(9) Any arrangement under this section for the discharge of any of the functions of the Council—

(a) does not affect the responsibility of the Council for the exercise of the function or any liability arising therefrom;

(b) does not prevent the Council from exercising the function; and

(c) may be revoked at any time by the Council and also, in the case of any arrangement made under subsection (2) or (3), by the committee or sub-committee which made that arrangement.

(10) In this section, “excepted functions” means—

(a) any function of the Council to make rules or regulations under this Act or any other enactment; and

(b) any function of the Council under paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to prepare a scheme (scheme for the constitution of the Council etc.).

(11) This section is without prejudice to any other power which the Council may have to arrange for the discharge of their functions.

(12) During any period before—

(a) paragraph 14(6)(a) of schedule 4 to the Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4) comes into force, subsection (5) applies as if paragraph (b) and the word “and” that precedes it were omitted;

(b) section 12(c) of that Act comes into force, subsection (5)(a) applies as if for the words “the 1990 Act” there were substituted the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40) (“the 1990 Act”).]

Textual Amendments

F1 S. 3A inserted (1.6.2003) by Council of the Law Society of Scotland Act 2003 (asp 14), ss. 1, 3

Part II S Right to Practise as a Solicitor

Qualifications and Training S

4 Qualifications for practising as a solicitor. S

No person shall be qualified to practise as a solicitor unless—

(a) he has been admitted as a solicitor; and

(b) his name is on the roll; and

(c) subject to section 24, he has in force a certificate issued by the Council in accordance with the provisions of this Part authorising him to practise as a solicitor (referred to in this Act as a “practising certificate”).

5 Training regulations. S

(1) The Council may, with the concurrence of the Lord President, make regulations for—

(a) practical training;

(b) attendance at a course of legal education;

(c) the passing of examinations.

(2) Regulations under this section—

(a) may make such incidental, consequential and supplemental provisions as the Council consider necessary or proper in relation to the matters specified in subsection (1);

(b) may include provision for the charging by the Council of fees and the application thereof; and

(c) may make different provision for different circumstances.

Admission S

6 Admission as solicitor. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, no person shall be admitted as a solicitor in Scotland unless—

(a) he is aged 21 years or over; and

(b) he has satisfied the Council. . . F2

(i) that he has complied with the provisions of any regulations made under section 5 that apply to him, and

(ii) that he is a fit and proper person to be a solicitor,

and has obtained from the Council a certificate to that effect; and

(c) he has paid such sum in respect of his admission as has been fixed by the Council with the approval of the Lord President.

[F3 (2) Where—

(a) a person has complied with the requirements of subsection (1); but

(b) the Council have not lodged a petition for his admission as a solicitor within one month of his having so complied,

he may apply by petition to the court for admission as a solicitor; and if he produces the certificate mentioned in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) the court shall make an order admitting him as a solicitor.]

(3) If any person has not obtained from the Council a certificate to the effect mentioned in paragraph (b) of subsection (1) but has otherwise satisfied the requirements of that subsection the Court, on such an application being made by him and on being satisfied after such inquiry as it thinks fit, that—

(a) he is a fit and proper person to be admitted as a solicitor, and

(b) he is competent to be a solicitor,

may make an order admitting him as a solicitor.

[F4 (3A) The Council may petition the court for the admission as a solicitor of an applicant who has complied with the requirements of subsection (1) above; and, where it does so it shall lodge the petition not later than one month after the applicant has first so complied.

(3B) The Court shall, on a petition being made to it under subsection (3A) above, make an order admitting the applicant as a solicitor.]

(4) Any order admitting a person as a solicitor under this section shall include a direction to the Council to enter the name of that person in the roll.

(5) Nothing in this section affects the operation of the M1 Colonial Solicitors Act 1900 or any Order in Council made under that Act (admission as solicitors in Scotland of solicitors of certain overseas territories)

(6) Every person who has been enrolled as a law agent shall be deemed to be admitted as a solicitor.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2, 36:1), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 2(a), Sch. 4

F3 S. 6(2) substituted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(1); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

F4 S. 6(3A)(3B) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 2(b)

Marginal Citations

M1 1900 c. 14 (63 and 64 Vict).

The Roll S

7 Keeping the roll. S

(1) The Council shall continue to be the registrar of solicitors and shall keep at the office of their secretary a roll of solicitors (in this Act referred to as “the roll”).

(2) The roll shall consist of the names in alphabetical order of all solicitors entered on it in accordance with section 8.

(3) Any person may inspect the roll during office hours without payment.

[F5 (4) Schedule 2 (powers of Council in relation to roll of solicitors) shall have effect.]

Textual Amendments

F5 S. 7(4) added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 2

8 Entry in the roll. S

(1) On production to the Council of an order under section 6 admitting a person as a solicitor and directing that his name be entered on the roll the Council shall enter the name of that person on the roll.

(2) Any solicitor whose name is entered on the roll (in this Act referred to as “an enrolled solicitor”) shall, on such entrolment, inform the Council in writing of the address of his place of business, and shall on any change of that address, inform them in writing of his new address.

(3) The Council shall issue a certificate of enrolment to any enrolled solicitor who applies for it.

9 Removal of name from roll on request. S

An enrolled solicitor who wishes his name [F6 , or any annotation made against his name under section 25A(3),] to be removed from the roll of solicitors may make an application to the Council in that behalf, and the Council shall [F7 on the solicitor satisfying the Council] that he has made adequate arrangements with respect to the business he has then in hand, remove the name of that solicitor [F8 or, as the case may be, the annotation against his name,] from the roll.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in s. 9 inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(2)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F7 Words substituted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 3

F8 Words in s. 9 inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(2)(b); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1.

10 Restoration of name to roll on request. S

(1) A solicitor. . . F9 whose name has been struck off the roll other than by order of the Court, shall only be entitled to have his name restored to the roll, if on an application in that behalf made by him to the Tribunal and after such inquiry as the Tribunal thinks proper, the Tribunal so orders.

[F10 (1A) On an application to the Council from a solicitor whose name [F11 , or any annotation against whose name,] has been removed from the roll under section 9 the Council may, after such inquiry as they think proper, restore the name of that solicitor [F12 or, as the case may be, the annotation,] to the roll.]

(2) Rules made by the Tribunal under section 52 may—

(a) regulate the making, hearing and determining of applications under subsection (1);

(b) provide for payment by the applicant to the Council of such fee in respect of restoration to the roll as the rules may specify.

Textual Amendments

F9 Words repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 4(a), Sch. 2

F10 S. 10(1A) inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 4(b)

F11 Words in s. 10(1A) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(3)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F12 Words in s. 10(1A) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(3)(b); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

11 Directions by Lord President. S

(1) The Lord President may give directions to the Council in relation to the carrying out of their duties in connection with the keeping of the roll and they shall give effect to any such direction.

(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F13

Textual Amendments

F13 Ss. 11(2), 12 repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F14 S

Textual Amendments

F14 Ss. 11(2), 12 repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

Valid from 22/05/2000

[F15 Register of European lawyersF15 S

Textual Amendments

F15 Ss. 12A-12D inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(2)

F15 12A Keeping the register S

(1) The Council shall establish and maintain the register referred to in regulation 15 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000, and shall keep the register at the office of their secretary.

(2) The register shall consist of the names in alphabetical order of all European lawyers entered on it in accordance with regulation 17 of those regulations.

(3) Any person may inspect the register during office hours without payment.

(4) Schedule 2 (powers of Council in relation to roll of solicitors) shall apply to the register as it does to the roll and in its application to the register the words “section 7(3)” in paragraph 4 shall be read as if the words “section 12A” were substituted therefor.

F16 12B Information to be provided by registered European lawyers S

(1) Any registered European lawyer–

(a) shall, on registration, inform the Council in writing of the address of his place of business, his home professional title, and the name and address of the competent authority with which he is registered in his home state; and

(b) shall thereafter inform the Council of any change to the information required under paragraph (a) above.

(2) The Council shall issue a registration to any registered European lawyer who applies for it.

Textual Amendments

F16 Ss. 12A-12D inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(2)

F17 12C Removal of name from register on request S

A registered European lawyer who wishes his name, or any annotation made against his name under section 25A(3), to be removed from the register may make an application to the Council in that behalf, and the Council shall, on the registered European lawyer satisfying the Council that he has made adequate arrangements with respect to the business he has then in hand, remove the name of that solicitor, or, as the case may be, the annotation against his name, from the register.

Textual Amendments

F17 Ss. 12A-12D inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(2)

F18 12D Restoration of name to register on request S

(1) Subject to subsection (2), a registered European lawyer whose name has been removed from the register shall be entitled to have his name restored to the register only if, on an application in that behalf made by him to the Tribunal and after such enquiry as the Tribunal thinks proper, the Tribunal so orders.

(2) On an application to the Council by a registered European lawyer whose name, or any annotation against whose name, has been removed from the register under section 12C, the Council may, after such inquiry as they think proper, restore the name of the registered European lawyer or, as the case may be, the annotation, to the register.

(3) Rules made by the Tribunal under section 52 may–

(a) regulate the making, hearing and determining of applications under subsection (1);

(b) provide for payment by the applicant to the council of such fee in respect of restoration to the register as the rules may specify.]

Textual Amendments

F18 Ss. 12A-12D inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(2)

Practising Certificates S

13 Applications for practising certificates. S

(1) Subject to this section and sections 14 to 24, the Council may make rules with respect to—

(a) applications for practising certificates;

(b) the issue of practising certificates;

(c) the keeping of a register of applications for and the issue of practising certificates.

(2) Any person may inspect the register during office hours without payment.

(3) The making of a false statement by a solicitor in an application for a practising certificate may be treated as professional misconduct by him for the purposes of Part IV, unless he proves the statement was made without intention to deceive.

14 Issue of practising certificate. S

(1) The Council shall issue to an enrolled solicitor on application being duly made by him, a practising certificate in accordance with rules made by them under section 13.

(2) The Council shall not issue a practsing certificate to a solicitor while he is suspended from practice.

15 Discretion of Council in special cases. S

(1) In any case where this section has effect, the applicant shall, unless the Council otherwise order, give to the Council, not less than 6 weeks before he applies for a practising certificate, notice of his intention to do so; and the Council may in their discretion—

(a) grant or refuse the application, or

(b) decide to issue a certificate to the applicant subject to such conditions as the Council may think fit.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4), this section shall have effect in any case where a solicitor applies for a practising certificate

(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F19

(b) not having held a practising certificate in force within the period of 12 months following the date of his admission; or

(c) when a period of 12 months or more has elapsed since he held a practising certificate in force; or

(d) without having paid in full any fine imposed on him under Part IV; or

(e) without having paid in full any expenses for which he has been found liable under section 38 or Part IV; or

(f) when, having been suspended from practice, the period of suspension has expired; or

(g) when, having had his name struck off the roll, his name has been restored to the roll; or

(h) after his estate has been sequestrated or he has granted a trust deed for behoof of creditors, whether he has obtained his discharge or not; or

(i) when, after a complaint has been made—

(i) relating to his conduct of the business of a client his attention has been drawn by the Council to the matter, and he has not replied or has not furnished a reply which would enable the Council to dispose of the matter; or

(ii) of delay in the disposal of the business of a client he has not completed that business within such period as the Council may fix as being a reasonable period within which to do so,

and in either case has been notified in writing by the Council accordingly [F20 ; or

(j) while any thing required to be done by him by a direction of the Council under section 42A or of the Tribunal under section 53A (including any such direction as confirmed or varied on appeal) remains undone.]

(3) Where a practising certificate free of conditions is issued by the Council under subsection (1) to a solicitor in relation to whom this section has effect by reason of any such circumstances as are mentioned in paragraphs (b), (c), (f), (g) or (h) of subsection (2), this section shall not thereafter have effect in relation to that solicitor by reason of those circumstances.

(4) Where the Council decide to issue a practising certificate subject to conditions, they may, if they think fit, postpone the issue of the certificate pending the hearing and determination of an appeal under section 16.

Textual Amendments

F19 S. 15(2)(a) repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2, 36:1), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 3, Sch. 4

F20 S. 15(2)(j) and “; or” immediately preceding it inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 5

16 Appeals from decisions of Council. S

(1) Where an application for a practising certificate is duly made to the Council otherwise than in a case where

[F21 (a)] section 15 has effect and the Council refuse or neglect to issue a practising certificate, the applicant [F22 ;

(b) the Council refuse to recognise a body corporate as being suitable in terms of section 34(1A)(b), the body corporate]

may apply to the Court, who may make such order in the matter as it thinks fit.

(2) Where the Council in exercise of the power conferred on them by section 15, refuse to issue a practising certificate, or issue a practising certificate subject to conditions, the applicant may appeal to the Court against that decision within 14 days of being notified of it.

(3) On an appeal to the Court under subsection (2) the Court may—

(a) affirm the decision of the Council, or

(b) direct the Council to issue a practising certificate to the applicant subject to such conditions if any as the Court may think fit; or

(c) make such other order as it thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F21 “(a)” inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 1(a)

F22 S. 16(1)(b) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 1(b)

17 Date and expiry of practising certificates. S

(1) Every practising certificate issued in November of any year shall bear the date of 1st November in that year, and every other practising certificate shall bear the date of the day on which it was issued.

(2) Every practising certificate shall have effect from the date it bears under subsection (1).

(3) Subject to subsection (4), every practising certificate shall expire on 31st October next after it is issued.

(4) On the name of any solicitor being struck off the roll or on a solicitor being suspended from practice as a solicitor, any practising certificate for the time being in force of that solicitor shall cease to have effect, but in the case of suspension, if he ceases to be so suspended during the period for which the practising certificate would otherwise have continued in force, the certificate shall thereupon again have effect.

18 Suspension of practising certificates. S

(1) If—

(a) in pursuance of the [F23 M2 Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984], a solicitor is, by reason of mental disorder, admitted to a hospital and becomes liable to be detained there or becomes subject to guardianship;

(b) acurator bonisis appointed on the estate of a solicitor;

(c) the estate of the solicitor is sequestrated;

(d) a solicitor grants a trust deed for behoof of creditors;

(e) a judicial factor is appointed on the estate of the solicitor under section 41;

any practising certificate for the time being in force of that solicitor shall cease to have effect, and he shall be suspended from practice as a solicitor.

[F24 (1A) If—

(a) an administration or winding up order, or an appointment of a provisional liquidator, liquidator, receiver or judicial factor has been made in relation to the incorporated practice; or

(b) a resolution has been passed for the voluntary winding-up of an incorporated practice (other than a resolution passed solely for the purpose of reconstruction or amalgamation of the incorporated practice with another incorporated practice),

the recognition under section 34(1A) of the incorporated practice shall be thereby revoked.]

(2) On the occurrence of any of the circumstances mentioned in. . . F25 subsection (1), the solicitor in question shall intimate those circumstances to the Council in writing immediately.

(3) On the occurrence of the cirumstances mentioned in paragraphs (d) or (e) of subsection (1) the trustee or as the case may be the judicial factor shall intimate his appointment to the Council in writing immediately.

[F26 (3A) On the occurence of the circumstances mentioned in—

(a) paragraph (a) of subsection (1A), the administrator, provisional liquidator, liquidator, receiver or, as the case may be, judicial factor appointed in relation to the incorporated practice;

(b) paragraph (b) of subsection (1A), the incorporated practice

shall immediately intimate that fact to the Council.]

Textual Amendments

F23 Words substituted by Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 (c. 36, SIF 85), s. 127(1), Sch. 3 para. 46

F24 S. 18(1A) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2(a)

F25 Words repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

F26 S. 18(3A) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 2(b)

Marginal Citations

M2 1984 c. 36.

19 Further provisions relating to suspension of practising certificates. S

(1) The provisions of this section have effect in relation to a practising certificate which has ceased to have effect by virtue of section 18 during the period when that certificate would, but for that section, have continued in force.

(2)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F27

(4) A practising certificate which has ceased to have effect by virtue of paragraphs (c) or (d) of section 18(1) shall again have effect on the solicitor being granted his discharge.

(5) A practising certificate which has ceased to have effect by virtue of paragraph (e) of section 18(1) shall again have effect on the judicial factor being granted his discharge.

[F28 (5A) Where a solicitor is suspended from practice as a solicitor by virtue of paragraph (a) or (b) of section 18(1), the period of suspension shall, for the purposes of section 15(2)(f), expire on the solicitor ceasing to be liable to be detained or subject to guardianship or, as the case may be, on thecurator bonis being discharged.]

(6) Where a solicitor is suspended from practice as a solicitor by virtue of paragraphs (c), (d) or (e) of section 18(1), he may at any time apply to the Council to terminate the suspension.

(7) On an application under subsection (6), the Council may either—

(a) grant the application with or without conditions; or

(b) refuse the application

(8) If on an application by a solicitor under subsection (6), the Council refuse the application or grant it subject to conditions, the solicitor may appeal against the decision to the Court, who may—

(a) affirm the decision; or

(b) vary any conditions imposed by the Council; or

(c) terminate the suspension either with or without conditions.

Textual Amendments

F27 S. 19(2)(3) repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

F28 S. 19(5A) inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 6

20 Council’s duty to supply lists of solicitors holding practising certificates. S

(1) The Council shall send a list of all solicitors holding practising certificates for the practice year then current—

(a) to the Keeper of the Registers of Scotland; F29 . . .

[F30 (ab) to the Principal Clerk of Session;]

(b) to each sheriff clerk;

as soon as practicable after 1st December in each year.

[F31 (2) The Council shall send a list of all solicitors who have rights of audience in—

(a) the Court of Session, to—

(i) the Principal Clerk of Session;

(ii) the Principal Clerk of the Judicial Office of the House of Lords; and

(iii) the Registrar to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council;

and

(b) the High Court of Justiciary, to the Principal Clerk of Justiciary,

as soon as practicable after 1st December in each year; and where, by virtue of an order under section 53(2)(ba), 53A(2)(ba) or 55(1)(ba), a solicitor’s right of audience in any of those courts is suspended or revoked, the Council shall forthwith inform the persons mentioned in this subsection of that fact.]

(3) The Council shall notfiy those persons to whom they have sent lists under this section of any changes in those lists.

Textual Amendments

F29 Word in s. 20(1)(a) repealed (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

F30 S. 20(1)(ab) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(4)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F31 S. 20(2) substituted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(4)(b); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

21 Consultants to hold practising certificates. S

(1) A consultant shall be treated for the purposes of this Act as a practising solicitor and the provisions relating to practising certificates and, subject to subsection (2), the Guarantee Fund shall apply to him.

(2) The Council may if they think fit exempt a consultant from any of the provisions of section 43 or Schedule 3 (the Guarantee Fund).

(3) In this section “consultant” means any solicitor who

[F32 (a)] not being in partnership with a solicitor or other solicitors causes or permits his name to be associated with the name of that solicitor or those solicitors or their firm’s name,

[F33 (b) not being a director of an incorporated practice, causes or permits his name to be associated with that incorporated practice,]

whether he is described as a consultant or adviser or in any other way.

Textual Amendments

F32 “(a)” inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 3(a)

F33 S. 21(3)(b) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 3(b)

22 Evidence as to holding of practising certificates. S

(1) Any list purporting to be issued by the Council and to contain the names of solicitors in Scotland who have before 1st December in any year obtained practising certificates for the period of 12 months from 1st November in that year shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that the persons named in that list are solicitors holding such certificates.

(2) The absence from any such list of the name of any person shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that the person is not qualified to practise as a solicitor under a certificate for the current year, but in the case of any such person an extract from the roll certified as correct by the Council shall be evidence of the facts appearing in the extract.

23 Offence to practise without practising certificate. S

(1) Any person who practises as a solicitor or in any way holds himself out as entitled by law to practise as a solicitor without having in force a practising certificate shall be guilty of an offence under this Act unless he proves that he acted without receiving or without expectation of any fee, gain or reward, directly or indirectly.

(2) Without prejudice to any proceedings under subsection (1), failure on the part of a solicitor in practice to have in force a practising certificate may be treated as professional misconduct for the purposes of Part IV.

Valid from 22/05/2000

[F34 23A Professional misconduct for registered European lawyer to practise without a registration certificate S

Failure on the part of a registered European lawyer in practice to have in force a current registration certificate may be treated as professional misconduct for the purposes of Part IV.]

Textual Amendments

F34 S. 23A inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(4)

Valid from 01/10/2004

[F35 23B

Failure on the part of a registered foreign lawyer in practice to have in force a current registration certificate may be treated as professional misconduct for the purposes of Part IV.]

Textual Amendments

F35 S. 23B inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 3}

24 Saving of public officials. S

Nothing in this Act shall require a practising certificate to be taken out by a person who is by law authorised to act as a solicitor to a public department without admission, or by any assistant or officer appointed to act under the direction of any such solicitor.

Valid from 22/05/2000

[F36 Registration certificates for registered European Lawyers S

Textual Amendments

F36 Cross-heading and ss. 24A - 24G and inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

F37 24A Applications for registration certificates S

(1) Subject to sections 24B to 24G below, the Council may make rules with respect to–

(a) applications for;

(b) the issue of;

(c) the keeping of a register for and the issue of,

registration certificates for registered European lawyers as it would make rules under section 13 with respect to practising certificates for enrolled solicitors.

(2) Any person may inspect the register referred to in subsection (1)(c) during office hours without payment.

(3) The making of a false statement by a registered European lawyer in an application for a registration certificate may be treated as professional misconduct by him for the purposes of Part IV, unless he proves the statement was made without intention to deceive.

Textual Amendments

F37 Ss. 24A-24G inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

F38 24B Issue of registration certificates S

(1) The Council shall issue to a registered European lawyer on application being made by him, a registration certificate in accordance with rules made by them under section 24A.

(2) The Council shall not issue a registration certificate to a registered European lawyer while his registration is suspended or withdrawn.

Textual Amendments

F38 Ss. 24A-24G inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

F39 24C Discretion of Council in special cases S

(1) In any case where this section has effect, the applicant shall, unless the Council otherwise order, give to the Council, not less than 6 weeks before he applies for a renewal of a registration certificate, notice of his intention to do so; and the Council may in their discretion–

(a) grant or refuse the application; or

(b) decide to issue a registration certificate to the applicant subject to such conditions as the Council may think fit.

(2) Subject to subsections (3) and (4) below, this section shall have effect in any case where a registered European lawyer applies for a renewal of a registration certificate–

(a) not having held a registration certificate in force within the period of 12 months following the date of his registration; or

(b) when a period of 12 months or more has elapsed since he held a registration certificate in force; or

(c) without having paid in full any fine imposed on him under Part IV; or

(d) without having paid in full any expenses for which he has been found liable under section 38 or Part IV; or

(e) when, having been suspended from practice, the period of suspension has expired; or

(f) when, having had his registration withdrawn, he has been registered again; or

(g) after his estate has been sequestrated or he has granted a trust deed for behoof of creditors, whether he has obtained his discharge or not; or

(h) when, after a complaint has been made–

(i) relating to his conduct of the business of a client his attention has been drawn by the Council to the matter, and he has not replied or has not furnished a reply which would enable the Council to dispose of the matter; or

(ii) of delay in disposal of the business of a client he has not completed that business within such period as the Council may fix as being a reasonable period within which to do so,

and in either case has been notified in writing by the Council accordingly; or

(i) while any thing required to be done by him by a direction of the Council under section 42A or of the Tribunal under section 53A (including any such direction as confirmed or varied on appeal) remains undone.

(3) Where a registration certificate free of conditions is issued by the Council under subsection (1) to a registered European lawyer to whom that subsection has effect by reason of any such circumstances as are mentioned in paragraphs (a), (b), (e), (f) or (g) of subsection (2), this section shall not thereafter have effect in relation to that registered European lawyer by reason of those circumstances.

(4) Where the Council decide to issue a registration certificate subject to conditions, they may, if they think fit, postpone the issue of the registration certificate pending the hearing and determination of an appealunder section 24D.

Textual Amendments

F39 Ss. 24A-24G inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

F40 24D Appeals from decisions of Council S

(1) Where–

(a) an application for a registration certificate is duly made to the Council otherwise than in a case where section 24C has effect and the Council refuse or neglect to issue a registration certificate, the applicant;

(b) the Council refuse to recognise a body corporate as being suitable in terms of section 34(1A) (b), the body corporate,

may apply to the court, who may make such order in the matter as it thinks fit.

(2) Where the Council in exercise of the power conferred on them by section 24C, refuse to issue a registration certificate, or issue a registration certificate subject to conditions, the applicant may appeal to the court against that decision within 14 days of being notified of it.

(3) On an appeal to the court under subsection (2) the court may–

(a) affirm the decision of the Council; or

(b) direct the Council to issue a registration certificate to the applicant subject to such conditions if any as the court thinks fit; or

(c) make such order as it thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F40 Ss. 24A-24G inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

F41 24E Date and expiry of registration certificate S

(1) Every registration certificate issued in November of any year shall bear the date of 1st November in that year, and every other registration certificate shall bear the date on which it was issued.

(2) Every registration certificate shall have effect from the date it bears under subsection (1).

(3) Subject to subsection (4), every registration certificate shall expire on 31st October next after it is issued.

(4) On the name of a registered European lawyer being withdrawn from the register or on a registered European lawyer being suspended from practice as a registered European lawyer, any registration certificate for the time being in force of that registered European lawyer shall cease to have effect, but in the case of suspension, if he ceases to be so suspended during the period for which the registration would otherwise have continued in force, the registration certificate shall thereupon again have effect.]

Textual Amendments

F41 Ss. 24A-24G inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

F42 24F Suspension of registration certificate S

(1) If–

(a) in pursuance of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 F43 a registered European lawyer is, by reason of mental disorder, admitted to a hospital and becomes liable to be detained there or becomes subject to guardianship;

(b) acurator bonis is appointed on the estate of a registered European lawyer;

(c) the estate of a registered European lawyer is sequestrated;

(d) a registered European lawyer grants a trust deed for behoof of creditors;

(e) a judicial factor is appointed on the estate of a registered European lawyer;

any registration certificate for the time being in force of that registered European lawyer shall cease to have effect, and he shall be suspended from practice as a registered European lawyer.

(2) On the occurrence of any of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1), the registered European lawyer in question shall intimate those circumstances to the Council in writing immediately.

(3) On the occurrence of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph (d) or (e) of subsection (1) the trustee or as the case may be the judicial factor shall intimate his appointment to the Council in writing immediately.

Textual Amendments

F42 Ss. 24A-24G inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

F43 1984 c.36.

F44 24G Further provisions relating to suspension of registration certificate S

(1) The provisions of this section shall have effect in relation to a registration certificate which has ceased to have effect by virtue of section 24F during the period when that registration certificate would, but for that section, have continued in force.

(2) A registration certificate which has ceased to have effect by virtue of paragraph (c) or (d) of section 24F(1) shall again have effect on the registered European lawyer being granted his discharge.

(3) A registration certificate which has ceased to have effect by virtue of paragraph (e) of section 24F(1) shall again have effect on the judicial factor being granted his discharge.

(4) Where a registered European lawyer is suspended from practice as a registered European lawyer by virtue of paragraph (a) or (b) of section 24F(1), the period of suspension shall, for the purposes of section 24C(2)(e), expire on the registered European lawyer ceasing to be liable to be detained or subject to guardianship or, as the case may be, on thecurator bonis being discharged.

(5) Where a registered European lawyer is suspended from practice as a registered European lawyer by virtue of paragraph (c), (d) or (e) of section 24F(1), he may at any time apply to the Council to terminate the suspension.

(6) On an application under subsection (5), the Council may either–

(a) grant the application with or without conditions; or

(b) refuse the application.

(7) If on an application by a registered European lawyer under subsection (5) the Council refuse the application or grant it subject to conditions, the registered European lawyer may appeal against the decision to the court, who may–

(a) affirm the decision; or

(b) vary any conditions imposed by the Council; or

(c) terminate the suspension either with or without conditions.

Textual Amendments

F44 Ss. 24A-24G inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(3)

Rights of Solicitors S

25 Rights of practising. S

Every person qualified to practise as a solicitor in accordance with section 4 may practise as a solicitor in any court in Scotland.

[F45 25A Rights of audience in the Court of Session, the House of Lords, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and the High Court of Justiciary. S

(1) Without prejudice to section 250 (right of audience of solicitor before single judge) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 and section 48(2)(b) (extension of rights of audience by act of sederunt) of the Court of Session Act 1988, a solicitor who—

(a) seeks a right of audience in, on the one hand, the Court of Session, the House of Lords and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council or, on the other hand, the High Court of Justiciary; and

(b) has satisfied the Council as to the requirements provided for in this section,

shall have a right of audience in those courts or, as the case may be, that court.

(2) The requirements mentioned in subsection (1), in relation to the courts or, as the case may be, the court in which a solicitor seeks a right of audience, are that—

(a) he has completed, to the satisfaction of the Council, a course of training in evidence and pleading in relation to proceedings in those courts or that court;

(b) he has such knowledge as appears to the Council to be appropriate of—

(i) the practice and procedure of; and

(ii) professional conduct in regard to, those courts or that court; and

(c) he has satisfied the Council that he is, having regard among other things to his experience in appropriate proceedings in the sheriff court, otherwise a fit and proper person to have a right of audience in those courts or that court.

(3) Where a solicitor has satisfied the Council as to the requirements of subsection (2) in relation to the courts or, as the case may be, the court in which he seeks a right of audience the Council shall make an appropriate annotation on the roll against his name.

(4) The Council shall make rules under this section as to—

(a) the matters to be included in, the methods of instruction to be employed in, and the qualifications of the person who will conduct, any course of training such as is mentioned in subsection (2)(a); and

(b) the manner in which a solicitor’s knowledge of the practice and procedure and professional conduct mentioned in subsection (2)(b) is to be demonstrated,

and separate rules shall be so made in relation to, on the one hand, the Court of Session, the House of Lords and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council and, on the other hand, the High Court of Justiciary.

(5) The Council shall make rules of conduct in relation to the exercising of any right of audience held by virtue of this section.

(6) Where a solicitor having a right of audience in any of the courts mentioned in subsection (1) is instructed to appear in that court, those instructions shall take precedence before any of his other professional obligations, and the Council shall make rules—

(a) stating the order of precedence of those courts for the purposes of this subsection;

(b) stating general criteria to which solicitors should have regard in determining whether to accept instructions in particular circumstances; and

(c) securing, through such of their officers as they think appropriate, that, where reasonably practicable, any person wishing to be represented before any of those courts by a solicitor holding an appropriate right of audience is so represented,

and for the purposes of rules made under this subsection the Inner and Outer Houses of the Court of Session, and the High Court of Justiciary exercising its appellate Jurisdiction, may be treated as separate courts.

(7) Subsection (6) does not apply to an employed solicitor whose contract of employment prevents him from acting for persons other than his employer.

(8) Subject to subsections (9) and (10), the provisions of section 34(2) and (3) apply to rules made under this section as they apply to rules made under that section and, in considering any rules made by the Council under subsection (5), the Lord President shall have regard to the desirability of there being common principles applying in relation to the exercising of rights of audience by all practitioners appearing before the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary.

(9) The Council shall, after any rules made under subsection (4) have been approved by the Lord President, submit such rules to the Secretary of State, and no such rules shall have effect unless the Secretary of State, after consulting the Director in accordance with section 64A, has approved them.

(10) The Council shall, after any rules made under subsection (5) have been approved by the Lord President, submit such rules to the Secretary of State.

(11) Where the Secretary of State considers that any rule submitted to him under subsection (10) would directly or indirectly inhibit the freedom of a solicitor to appear in court or undertake all the work preparatory thereto he shall consult the Director in accordance with section 64A.

(12) The Council may bring into force the rules submitted by them to the Secretary of State under subsection (10) with the exception of any such rule which he has, in accordance with section 64B, refused to approve.

(13) Nothing in this section affects the power of any court in relation to any proceedings—

(a) to hear a person who would not otherwise have a right of audience before the court in relation to those proceedings; or

(b) to refuse to hear a person (for reasons which apply to him as an individual) who would otherwise have a right of audience before the court in relation to those proceedings, and where a court so refuses it shall give its reasons for that decision.

(14) Where a complaint has been made that a solicitor has been guilty of professional misconduct in the exercise of any right of audience held by him by virtue of this section, the Council may, or if so requested by the Lord President shall, suspend him from exercising that right pending determination of that complaint under Part IV.

(15) Where a function is conferred on any person or body by this section he or, as the case may be, they shall exercise that function as soon as is reasonably practicable.]

Textual Amendments

F45 S. 25A inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 24; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

Restriction on rights of practising S

26 Offence for solicitors to act as agents for unqualified persons. S

(1) Any solicitor to whom this subsection applies who [F46 or incorporated practice which] upon the account or for the profit of any unqualified person—

(a) acts as agent in any action or proceedings in any court, or

(b) permits or suffers his [F46 or, as the case may be, its] name to be made use of in any way in any such action or proceedings; or

(c) [F47 subject to subsection (4),] draws or prepares any writ to which section 32 applies, or

(d) [F48 subject to subsection (4),] permits or suffers his [F46 or, as the case may be, its] name to be made use of in the drawing or preparing of any such writ; or

(e) does any other act to enable that person to appear, act or practise in any respect as a solicitor or notary public,

knowing that person not to be a qualified solicitor or notary public, as the case may be, shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Subsection (1) applies to any solicitor, not being a solicitor who is employed full-time on a fixed salary by a body corporate [F49 or employed by a law centre.]

(3) In this section “person” includes a body corporate [F50 but “unqualified person” does not include an incorporated practice].

[F51 (4) Subsection (1)(c) and (d) shall not apply in relation to—

(a) writs relating to heritable or moveable property drawn or prepared upon the account of or for the profit of independent qualified conveyancers providing conveyancing services within the meaning of section 23 (interpretation of sections 16 to 22) of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990; or

(b) papers to found or oppose an application for a grant of confirmation in favour of executors drawn or prepared upon the account of or for the profit of an executry practitioner or recognised financial institution providing executry services within the meaning of the said section 23.]

Textual Amendments

F46 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 4(a)

F47 Words inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(5)(a)

F48 Words inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(5)(b)

F49 Words inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(5)(c)

F50 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 4(b)

F51 S. 26(4) inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(5)(d)

[F52 27 Offence for solicitors to share fees with unqualified persons. S

(1) Subject to subsection (2) any solicitor [F53 or incorporated practice] who shares with an unqualified person any profits or fees derived from any solicitor’s business transacted by him [F53 or, as the case may be, it] shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a solicitor [F54 or incorporated practice] sharing the profits or fees derived from such a business with—

(a) a person who has ceased to practice as a solicitor if such share—

(i) is in respect of the price or value of the business transferred by that person to him [F54 or, as the case may be, to it]; or

(ii) is a voluntary or other allowance made to that person as a former partner in the business [F54 or former director of the incorporated practice]; or

(b) the widow, heirs, executors, representatives, next of kin, or dependents of any deceased solicitor who was a partner in the business [F54 or, as the case may be, a director or member of the incorporated practice] at the date of his death, or whose business he [F54 or, as the case may be, it] has purchased or succeeded to; or

(c) any clerk or assistant who is wholly employed by him [F54 or, as the case may be, it] if such share is a salary partly or wholly paid on the basis of a percentage of those profits; or

(d) any public officer if such share is in respect of work done in the course of his duty; or

(e) a person qualified to act as a solicitor in some part of the United Kingdom other than Scotland or in any British possession if such share is paid in accordance with an agreement between them for sharing fees.

(3) In paragraph (e) of subsection (2), “British possession” means any part of Her Majesty’s dominions outside the United Kingdom as at 1st March 1934.]

Textual Amendments

F52 S. 27 repealed (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 9

F53 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 5(a)

F54 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 5(b)

28 Offence for solicitors who are disqualified to seek employment without informing employer. S

Any person who—

(a) has been struck off the roll; or

(b) suspended from practice as a solicitor,

and while so disqualified from practice seeks or acceps employment by a solicitor in connection with that solicitors practice [F55 or by an incorporated practice] without previously informing him [F56 or, as the case may be, it] that he is so disqualified, shall be guilty of an offence.

Textual Amendments

F55 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 6(a)

F56 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 6(b)

F57 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S

Textual Amendments

F57 S. 29 repealed (30.9.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 c. 40, ss. 39, 74(2), Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/2151, art. 3,Sch.

30 Liability for fees of other solicitor. S

Where a solicitor [F58 or an incorporated practice], authorised by and acting for a client employs another solicitor [F59 or incorporated practice] he [F60 or, as the case may be, it] shall (whether or not he [F60 or, as the case may be, it] discloses the client) be liable to the other solicitor [F59 or incorporated practice] for that other solicitor’s [F61 or incorporated practice’s] fees and outlays, unless at the time of the employment he [F60 or, as the case may be, it] expressly disclaims any such liability.

Textual Amendments

F58 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 7(a)

F59 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 7(b)

F60 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 7(c)

F61 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 7(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3 S. 30 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Unqualified persons acting as solicitors S

31 Offence for unqualified persons to pretend to be solicitor or notary public. S

[F62 (1)] Any unqualified person (including a body corporate) who either by himself or together with others, wilfully and falsely—

(a) pretends to be a solicitor or notary public; or

(b) takes or uses any name, title, addition or description implying that he is duly qualified to act as a solicitor or a notary public or recognised by law as so qualified;

shall be guilty of an offence.

• [F63 In this section, “unqualified person” does not include an incorporated practice].

[F64 (2) Any person (including a body corporate) who either by himself or together with others, wilfully and falsely—

(a) pretends to be an incorporated practice;

(b) takes or uses any name, title, addition or description implying that he is an incorporated practice,

shall be guilty of an offence.

[F65 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]]

Textual Amendments

F62 S. 31 renumbered as subsection (1) of that section by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 8

F63 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 8(a)

F64 S. 31(2)(3) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 8(b)

F65 S. 31(3) repealed (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 31 amended by Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 (c. 48, SIF 67A), s. 278(2)(3)

C5 S. 31 modified (31.10.1994) by 1994 c. 26, s. 86(2); S.I. 1994/2550, art.2

32 Offence for unqualified persons to prepare certain documents. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, any unqualified person (including a body corporate) who draws or prepares—

(a) any writ relating to heritable or moveable estate; or

(b) any writ relating to any [F66 action or proceedings in any court]; or

(c) any papers on which to found or oppose an application for a grant of confirmation in favour of executors,

shall be guilty of an offence.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply—

(a) to an unqualified person if he proves that he drew or prepared the writ or papers in question without receiving, or without expecting to receive, either directly or indirectly, any fee, gain or reward [F67 (other than by way of remuneration paid under a contract of employment)]; or

(b) to an advocate; or

(c) to any public officer drawing or preparing writs in the course of his duty; or

(d) to any person employed merely to engross any writ [F68 or

(e) an incorporated practice.]

[F69 (2A) Subsection (1)(a) shall not apply to a qualified conveyancer providing conveyancing services within the meaning of section 23 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990.

(2B) Subsection (1)(b) shall not apply to a person who is, by virtue of an act of sederunt made under section 32 (power of Court of Session to regulate procedure) of the M3 Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971, permitted to represent a party to a summary cause.

(2C) Subsection (1)(c) shall not apply to an executry practitioner or a recognised financial institution providing executry services within the meaning of section 23 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990.]

(3) In this section “writ” does not include—

(a) a will or other testamentary writing;

(b) a documentin re mercatoria, missive or mandate;

(c) a letter or power of attorney;

(d) a transfer of stock containing no trust or limitation thereof.

Textual Amendments

F66 Words substituted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 7

F67 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(6)(a)

F68 S. 32(2)(e) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 9

F69 S. 32(2A)–(2C) inserted (prosp. except as to subsection (2B) the insertion of which is in force) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(6)(b)

Marginal Citations

M3 1971 c.58(36:3).

33 Unqualified persons not entitled to fees, etc. S

No fee, reward, outlay or expenses on account of or in relation to any act or proceeding done or taken by any person who—

(a) acts as a solicitor or as a notary public without being duly qualified so to act; or

(b) not being so qualified,. . . F70 frames or draws any writs to which section 32 applies,

shall be recoverable by any person in any action or matter.

[F71 This section does not apply to an incorporated practice.][F72 or in relation to writs framed or drawn by a person who is, by virtue of an act of sederunt made under section 32 of the Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971, permitted to represent a party to a summary cause.]

Textual Amendments

F70 Words repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 8, Sch. 2

F71 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 10

F72 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(7)

[F73 33A Rules as to professional practice, conduct and discipline. S

(1) Any communication made to or by an incorporated practice in the course of its acting as such for a client shall in any legal proceedings be privileged from disclosure in like manner as if the body had at all material times been a solicitor acting for the client.

(2) Any enactment or instrument making special provision in relation to a solicitor or other legal representative as to the disclosure of information, or as to the production, seizure or removal of documents, with respect to which a claim to professional privilege could be maintained, shall, with any necessary modifications, have effect in relation to an incorporated practice as it has effect in relation to a solicitor.]

Textual Amendments

F73 S. 33A inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 11

Valid from 01/10/2004

[F74 33B

(1) Any communication made to or by a registered foreign lawyer in the course of his actings as such for a client shall in any legal proceedings be privileged from disclosure in like manner as if the registered foreign lawyer had at all material times been a solicitor acting for a client.

(2) Any enactment or instrument making special provision in relation to a solicitor or other legal representative as to the disclosure of information, or as to the production, seizure or removal of documents, with respect to which a claim to professional privilege could be maintained, shall, with any necessary modifications, have effect in relation to a registered foreign lawyer as it has effect in relation to a solicitor.]

Textual Amendments

F74 S. 33B inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 8}

Part III S Professional Practice, Conduct and Discipline of Solicitors

Practice Rules S

34 Rules as to professional practice, conduct and discipline. S

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the Council may, if they think fit, make rules for regulating in respect of any matter the professional practice, conduct and discipline of solicitors [F75 and incorporated practices].

[F76 (1A) Rules made under this section may—

(a) provide as to the management and control by—

(i) solicitors holding practicing certificates or their executors;

(ii) other incorporated practices.

of bodies corporate carrying on businesses consisting of the provision of professional services such as are provided by individuals and firms practicing as solicitors being bodies the membership of which is restricted to such solicitors, executors and other incorporated practices;

(b) prescribe the circumstances in which such bodies may be recognised by the Council as being suitable to undertake the provision of any such services;

(c) prescribe the conditions which (subject to any exceptions provided by the rules) must at all times be satisfied by bodies corporate so recognised if they are to remain so recognised (which bodies, when and for so long as so recognised, are in this Act referred to as “incororated practices”;

(d) regulate the conduct of the affairs of incorporated practices; and

(e) provide—

(i) for the manner and form in which applications for recognition under this section are to be made, and for the payment of fees in connection with such applications for recognition under this section are to be made, and for the payment of fees in connection with such applications;

(ii) for regulating the names that may be used by incorporated practices;

(iii) as to the period for which any recognition granted under this section shall (subject to the provisions of this Act) remain in force;

(iv) for the revocation of any such recognition on the grounds that it was granted as a result of any error or fraud;

(v) for the keeping by the Society of a list containing the names and places of business of all incorporated practices and for the information contained in any such list to be available for inspection;

(vi) for rules made under any provision of this Act to have effect in relation to incorporated practices with such additions, omissions or other modifications as appear to the Council to be necessary or expedient;

(vii) for empowering the Council to take such steps as they consider necessary or expedient to ascertain whether or not any rules applicable to incorporated practices by virtue of this section are being complied with.]

[F77 and

(f) make such additional or different provision as the Council think fit in relation to solicitors who, or incorporated practices which, are partners in or directors of multi-disciplinary practices.]

(2) The Council shall, before making any rules under this section or section 35—

(a) send to each member of the Society a draft of the rules; and

(b) thereafter submit the draft rules to a meeting of the Society; and

(c) take into consideration any resolution passed at that meeting relating to amendments to the draft rules.

(3) Rules made under this section or section 35 shall not have effect unless the Lord President after considering any objections he thinks relevant has approved the rules so made.

[F78 (3A) Without prejudice to subsection (3), any rule made, whether before or after the coming into force of this subsection, by the Council under this section or section 35 which has the effect of prohibiting the formation of multi-disciplinary practices shall not have effect unless the Secretary of State, after consulting the Director in accordance with section 64A, has approved it.]

(4) If any solicitor fails to comply with any rule made under this section that failure may be treated as professional misconduct for the purposes of Part IV.

[F79 (4A) A certificate purporting to be signed by an officer of the Society and stating that any body corporate is or is not an incorporated practice shall, unless the contrary is proved, be sufficient evidence of that fact.

(4B) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Secretary of State may, by order made by statutory instrument subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament, provide for any enactment or instrument passed or made before the commencement of section (1A) above and having effect in relation to solicitors to have effect in relation to incorporated practices with such additions, omissions, or other modifications as appear to him to be necessary or expedient.]

Textual Amendments

F75 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 12(a)

F76 S. 34(1A) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 12(b)

F77 S. 34(1A)(f) and word “and” immediately preceding it inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 31(3)(a), 75(2)

F78 S. 34(3A) inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 31(3)(b), 75(2)

F79 S. 34(4A)(4B) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 12(c)

Accounts rules S

35 Accounts rules. S

(1) The Council shall, subject to section 34(2) and (3), make rules (in this Act referred to as “accounts rules”)—

(a) as to the opening and keeping by solicitors [F80 and incorporated practices] of accounts and deposits at the banks specified in subsection (2) [F81 or with a building society] for moneys not belonging to them received by them in the course of their practice;

(b) as to the opening and keeping by solicitors [F80 and incorporated practices]of—

(i) a deposit or share account with a building society. . . F82 , or

(ii) an account showing sums on loan to a local authority,

being in either case for a client whose name is specified in the title of the account;

(c) as to the keeping by solicitors [F80 and incorporated practices] of books and accounts containing particulars and information as to money not belonging to them received, held or paid by them in the course of their practice;. . . F83

(d) as to the action which the Council may take to enable them to ascertain whether or not the rules are being complied with. [F84 ; and

(e) as to the recovery from solicitors of fees and other costs incurred by the Council in ascertaining whether or not a solicitor who has failed to comply with the accounts rules has remedied that failure and is complying with the rules.]

(2) The banks mentioned in paragraph (a) of subsection (1) are—

(a) the Bank of England;

(b) . . . F85

(c) the National Savings Bank;

(d) the Post Office, in the exercise of its powers to provide banking services;

[F86 (e) an institution authorised under the Banking Act 1987;]

(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F87

and the rules may specify the location of the banks’ or companies’ branches at which the accounts are to be kept.

(3) If any solicitor fails to comply with any rule made under this section that failure may be treated as professional misconduct for the purposes of Part IV.

(4) Rules made under this section shall not apply to a solicitor—

(a) who is in employment as solicitor to a Minister of the Crown or a Government Department or as an assistant or officer appointed to act under the direction of such solicitor; or

[F88 (b) who is in employment to which Part V of the Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 applies;]

(c) who is in employment in an office connected with the administration of a local authority or a statutory undertaking or a designated body to which he has been appointed by the authority or the statutory undertakers or the persons responsible for the management of that body by reason of his being a solicitor,

so far as regards monies received, held or paid by him in the course of that employment.

In this subsection—

• “local authority” means a local authority within the meaning of the M4 Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973;

• “statutory undertakers” means any persons (including a local authority) authorised by any enactment or statutory order or any scheme made under or confirmed by an enactment to construct, work or carry on any railway, light railway, tramway, road transport, water transport, canal, inland navigation, dock, harbour, pier or lighthouse undertaking or any undertaking for the supply of gas, electricity, hydraulic power or water;

• “designated body” means any body whether corporate or unincorporate for the time being designated by the Council for the purposes of this section.

Textual Amendments

F80 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 13

F81 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 9

F82 Words repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

F83 Word repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 4(a), Sch. 4

F84 S. 35(1)(e) added by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 4(b)

F85 S. 33(2)(b) repealed by Trustee Savings Banks Act 1985 (c. 58, SIF 110), ss. 4(3), 7(3), Sch. 4

F86 S. 35(2)(e) substituted by Banking Act 1987 (c. 22, SIF 10), s. 108(1), Sch. 6 para. 9

F87 S. 35(2)(f) repealed by Banking Act 1987 (c. 22, SIF 10), s. 108(1)(2), Sch. 6 para. 9, Sch. 7 Pt. I (in Sch. 7 Pt. I the repeal is expressed to include the word “and” immediately preceding paragraph (f))

F88 S. 35(4)(b) substituted by Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47, SIF 77:2), ss. 43, 45, Sch. 3 para. 7, Sch. 4 para. 3(1)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 35(2) amended (1.1.1993) by 1992/3218, reg. 82(1), Sch. 10 Pt. I para.11

Marginal Citations

M4 1973 c. 65.

36 Interest on client’s money. S

(1) Accounts rules shall make provision for requiring a solicitor [F89 or and incorporated practice], in such cases as may be prescribed by the rules,. . . F90

(a) to keep in a separate deposit or savings account at a bank [F91 or with a building society], or on a separate deposit receipt at a bank, for the benefit of the client money received for or on account of a client; or

[F92 (aa) to keep in—

(i) a deposit or share account with a. . . F93 building society; or

(ii) an account showing sums on loan to a local authority,

being in either case an account kept by the solicitor in his [F89 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice in its]own name for a specified client, money so received; or]

(b) to make good to the client out of the solicitor’s [F89 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice’s] own money a sum equivalent to the interest which would have accrued if the money so received had been kept as mentioned in paragraph (a) [F94 or (aa)].

(2) The cases in which a solicitor [F95 or incorporated practice] may be required to act as mentioned in subsection (1) may be defined among other things by reference to the amount of any sum received or balance held or the period for which it is or is likely to be retained or held or both; and the rules may include provision for enabling a client (without prejudice to any other remedy) to require that any question arising under the rules in relation to the client’s money be referred to and determined by the Society.

(3) Except as provided by the rules, a solicitor [F96 or incorporated practice] shall not be liable by virtue of the relation between solicitor and client to account to any client for interest received by the solicitor [F96 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] on monies lodged in an account [F97 at a bank or with a building society], or on deposit receipt, at a bank, being monies received or held for or on account of his [F96 or, as the case may be, its] clients generally.

(4) Nothing in this section or in the rules shall affect any arrangement in writing whenever made between a solicitor and his client [F98 or an incorporated practice and its client] as to the application of the client’s money or interest on it.

Textual Amendments

F89 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 14(a)

F90 Word repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 36:3), s. 25(a)(i)

F91 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 10(a)

F92 S. 36(1)(aa) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 36:3), s. 25(a)(ii)

F93 Word repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

F94 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 36:3), s. 25(a)(iii)

F95 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 14(b)

F96 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 14(c)

F97 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 10(b)

F98 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 14(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 S. 36 modified (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 14}

37 Accountant’s certificates. S

(1) This section shall have effect for the purpose of securing satisfactory evidence of compliance with the accounts rules.

(2) Subject to the following provisions of this section, every solicitor [F99 and incorporated practice] to whom the accounts rules apply shall, in accordance with the rules made under subsection (3), deliver to the Council a certificate by an accountant (in this section referred to as an “accountant’s certificate”).

(3) The Council shall make rules (in this Act referred to as “accountant’s certificate rules”) prescribing—

(a) the qualifications to be held by an accountant by whom an accountant’s certificate may be given;

(b) the nature and extent of the examination to be made by an accountant of the books and accounts of a solicitor or his firm [F100 or of an incorporate practice] and of any other relative documents with a view to the signing of an accountant’s certificate;

(c) the intervals at which an accountant’s certificate shall be delivered to the Council, not being more frequent than once in each practice year;

(d) the accounting period for which an accountant’s certificate shall be delivered or the different accounting periods for which in different circumstances an accountant’s certificate shall be delivered;

(e) the period within which an accountant’s certificate shall be delivered; and

(f) the form and content of an accountant’s certificate.

(4) The accountant’s certificate rules may include such other provisions as the Council consider necessary or proper for the purpose of giving effect to the foregoing provisions of this section and for regulating any incidental, consequential or supplementary matters.

(5) The delivery of an accountant’s certificate in pursuance of subsection (2) shall not be required in the case of—

(a) a solicitor who [F101 or incorporated practice which], in agreement with the Council, furnishes to the Council and keeps in force a fidelity bond by an insurance office or other institution accepted by the Court as cautioners for a judicial factor appointed by the Court for such amount as the Council may determine, guaranteeing the intromissions of the solicitor or his firm [F102 or, as the case may be, of the incorporated practice] with money held by him or them [F101 or, as the case may be, it] for or on behalf of clients; or

(b) a solicitor [F101 or incorporated practice] who satisfies the Council that during the accounting period to which the accountant’s certificate would ordinarily relate he has not in the course of his practice [F101 or, as the case may be, it has not] held or received any money on behalf of clients.

(6) If the Council are of the opinion that satisfactory evidence of compliance with the accounts rules for the time being in force will be secured by some method other than by delivery of an accountant’s certificate under subsection (2), they may make rules—

(a) prescribing—

(i) that other method;

(ii) the terms and conditions to be observed in connection therewith; and

(iii) the procedure to be followed by solicitors [F103 or incorporated practices] desiring to adopt that other method, and

(b) containing such incidental, consequential and supplementary provisions relative thereto as the Council may consider necessary or proper;

and a solicitor who satisfies the Council that he [F103 or, as the case may be, an incorporated practice which satisfies the Council that it] is complying with rules made under this subsection shall not be required to deliver an accountant’s certificate in pursuance of subsection (2).

(7) A certificate under the hand of the secretary of the Society certifying that a specified solicitor [F104 or incorporated practice] has or has not, as the case may be, delivered to the Council an accountant’s certificate, or supplied any evidence required from him [F104 or, as the case may be, it] under this section or under the accountant’s certificate rules or, as the case may be, under any rules made under subsection (6), shall, unless the contrary is proved, be evidence of the fact so certified.

(8) Failure by a solicitor to comply with any provision of this section or of the accountant’s certificate rules or of any rules made under subsection (6), so far as applicable to him, may be treated as professional misconduct for the purposes of Part IV.

Textual Amendments

F99 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 15(a)

F100 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 15(b)

F101 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 15(c)

F102 Words inserted by virtue of Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 15(c) (which provided that after the word “firm” there should be substituted the words inserted in the text)

F103 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 15(d)

F104 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 15(e)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8 S. 37 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

C9 S. 37 modified (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 14}

Powers of Council to intervene S

38 Powers where dishonesty alleged. S

(1) If the Council have reasonable cause to believe that a solicitor or an employee of his [F105 or an incorporated practice or any employee thereof] has been guilty of any such dishonesty as is mentioned in section 43(2) they may—

(a) require the production or delivery to any person appointed by the Council at a time and place fixed by the Council of the documents to which this section applies;

(b) take possession of all such documents; and

(c) apply to the Court for an order that no payment be made by any banker, building society or other body named in the order out of any banking account or any sum deposited in the name of such solicitor or his firm [F105 or, as the case may be, such incorporated practice] without the leave of the Court and the Court may make such order.

(2) This section applies to the following documents—

(a) all books, accounts, deeds, securities, papers and other documents in the possession or control of such solicitor or his firm [F106 or, as the case may be, such incorporated practice];

(b) all books, accounts, deeds, securities, papers and other documents relating to any trust of which he is a sole trustee or is a co-trustee only with one or more of his partners or employees [F106 or, as the case may be, of which the incorporated practice or one of its employees is a sole trustee or it is a co-trustee only with one or more of [F107 its] employees.]

(3) Part II of Schedule 3 shall have effect in relation to the powers of the Council under this section.

Textual Amendments

F105 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 16(a)

F106 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 16(b)

F107 Word substituted by virtue of Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 11

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10 S. 38 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

39 Powers where delay alleged. S

(1) If—

(a) a complaint is made to the Society that there has been undue delay on the part of a solicitor [F108 or an incorporated practice] in dealing with any matter in which he or his firm [F108 or, as the case may be, it] is or has been concerned in a professional capacity, or any matter relating to a trust of which he is or was the sole trustee, or a co-trustee only with one or more of his partners or employees [F108 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice or one of its employees was the sole trustee or it was a co-trustee only with one or more of its employees], and

(b) the Council are of opinion that the delay ought to be investigated,

the Council may by notice in writing at any time, and from time to time, require the solicitor [F108 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] to give an explanation of the delay.

(2) Any notice given by the Council under subsection (1) may specify a period, not being less than 21 days, within which they require an explanation to be furnished; and if within that period the solicitor [F109 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] does not reply or fails to furnish an explanation which the Council regard as sufficient and satisfactory, and he [F109 or, as the case may be, it] is so informed in writing, section 38 shall apply in relation to that solicitor and his firm [F109 or, as the case may be, to that incorporated practice] in so far as it relates to documents or payments connected with the matter complained of (but not otherwise) and shall so apply notwithstanding that the Council may not have reasonable cause to believe that the solicitor [F109 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] has been guilty of any such dishonesty as is mentioned in section 43(2).

Textual Amendments

F108 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 17(a)

F109 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 17(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11 S. 39 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F110 39A Powers where excessive fees etc charged. S

(1) This section applies where the Council are satisfied, in the case of any solicitor or incorporated practice, after inquiry and after giving the solicitor or incorporated practice an opportunity of being heard, that the solicitor or incorporated practice has issued an account for professional fees and outlays of an amount which is grossly excessive (whether or not the account has been paid by or on behalf of the client or debited by the solicitor or incorporated practice to the account of any sums held on behalf of the client).

(2) Where this section applies the Council may—

(a) in the case of a solicitor, withdraw his practising certificate; or

(b) in the case of an incorporated practice, withdraw the practising certificates of all or any of the solicitors who are directors of the incorporated practice;

and a certificate so withdrawn shall cease to have effect and the solicitor shall be suspended from practice as a solicitor.

(3) On being satisfied by the solicitor or, as the case may be, incorporated practice that he or it has complied with the requirements of subsection (4) the Council, unless they are of the opinion that the solicitor or incorporated practice is liable to disciplinary proceedings under Part IV, shall terminate the suspension from practice of the solicitor or solicitors concerned and shall restore to him or them any practising certificates held by him or them for the practice year then current.

(4) The requirements referred to in subsection (3) are—

(a) to submit the account to the Auditor of the Court of Session for taxation together with all documents in the possession or control of the solicitor or incorporated practice which relate to the matters in respect of which the account was issued; and

(b) to refund to the client a sum not less than the relevant amount.

(5) The Council shall be entitled to be represented at a diet for taxation by virtue of subsection (4)(a) and to make representations to the Auditor of Court.

(6) Where, on taxation of an account by virtue of subsection (4)(a), the amount due in respect of the account as taxed is the amount specified in the account as issued, the fee of the Auditor of Court shall be paid by the Council; but in any other case the fee shall be paid by the solicitor or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice.

(7) In subsection (4)(b) “the relevant amount” is the amount (if any) by which the sum received by the solicitor or incorporated practice in respect of the account exceeds the amount due in respect of the account as taxed.

(8) A solicitor may, within 21 days of receiving written notice of a decision of the Council under subsection (2) to withdraw his practising certificate, appeal to the Court against that decision; and on any such appeal the Court may give such directions in the matter, including directions as to the expenses of the proceedings before the Court, as it may think fit; and the order of the Court shall be final.

(9) The withdrawal of a solicitor’s practising certificate under subsection (2) shall be without prejudice to the operation of section 35(3) or section 37(8).]

Textual Amendments

F110 S. 39A inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 4

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 S. 39A applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

40 Powers where failure to comply with accounts rules etc. S

(1) Where the Council are satisfied, in the case of any solicitor [F111 or incorporated practice], after enquiry and after giving the solicitor [F111 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] an opportunity of being heard, that the solicitor [F111 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice][F112 has failed or] is failing to comply with any provisions of—

(a) section 35 or the accounts rules made under that section, or

(b) section 37 or the accountant’s certificate rules or other rules made under that section,

so far as applicable in his [F111 or, as the case may be, its] case (in this section referred to as “the applicable provisions”), the Council may, subject to the provisions of this section

[F113 (a)] withdraw the practising certificate held by the solicitor [F114 or, as the case may be—

(b) withdraw the practising certificate or certificates of any or all of the solicitors who are directors of the incorporated practice,

and a certificate so withdrawn] shall thereupon cease to have effect and the solicitor shall be suspended from practice as a solicitor.

(2) On being satisfied by the solicitor that he [F115 or, as the case may be, by the incorporated practice that it] is able and willing to comply with the applicable provisions, the Council, unless they are of opinion that the solicitor [F115 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] is liable to disciplinary proceedings under Part IV, shall terminate the suspension from practice of the solicitor [F116 or solicitors concerned and shall restore to him or them any practicing certificate or certificates held by him or them for the practice year then current.]

(3) Within 21 days after receiving written notice of a decision of the Council under this section to withdraw his practising certificate, or to refuse to terminate his suspension from practice, the solicitor may appeal to the Court against [F117 a] decision; and on any such appeal the Court may give such directions in the matter, including directions as to the expenses of the proceedings before the Court, as it may think fit; and the order of the Court shall be final.

(4) Any withdrawal of a solicitor’s practising certificate by the Council in exercise of the power conferred by subsection (1) shall be without prejudice to the operation of section 35(3) or section 37(8).

Textual Amendments

F111 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 18(a)

F112 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 12

F113 “(a)” inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 18(a)

F114 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 18(a)

F115 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 18(b)

F116 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 18(b)

F117 Word substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 18(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13 S. 40 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

41 Appointment of judicial factor. S

Where the Council, in exercise of any power conferred on them by the accounts rules, have caused an investigation to be made of the books, accounts and other documents of a solicitor [F118 or an incorporated practice], and, on consideration of the report of the investigation, the Council are satisfied—

(a) that the solicitor [F119 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] has failed. . . F120 to comply with the provisions of those rules, and

(b) that, [F121 , in the case of a solicitor, in connection with his practice as such], either—

(i) his liabilities exceed his assets in the business, or

(ii) his books, accounts and other documents are in such a condition that it is not reasonably practicable to ascertain definitely whether his liabilities exceed his assets, or

(iii) there is reasonable ground for apprehending that a claim on the Guarantee Fund may arise [F122 ; or

(c) that, in the case of an incorporated practice, either—

(i) its liabilities exceed its assets, or

(ii) its books, accounts and other documents are in such a condition that it is not reasonably practicable to ascertain definitely whether its liabilities exceed its assets, or

(iii) there is reasonable ground for apprehending that a claim on the guarantee fund may arise].

the Council may apply to the Court for the appointment of a judicial factor on the estate of the solicitor [F123 or, as the case may be, of the incorporated practice]; and the Court, on consideration of the said report and after giving the solicitor [F124 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] an opportunity of being heard, may appoint a judicial factor on [F125 such] estate, or do otherwise as seems proper to it.

Textual Amendments

F118 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 19(a)

F119 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 19(b)

F120 Words repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 13, Sch. 2

F121 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 19(c)

F122 S. 41(c) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 19(d)

F123 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 19(e)

F124 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 19(f)

F125 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 19(g)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14 S. 41 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

42 Distribution of sums in client bank account. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, where, in any of the events mentioned in subsection (2) [F126 or (2A)], the sum at the credit of any client account kept by a solicitor [F126 or an incorporated practice] (or where several such accounts are kept by him [F126 or, as the case may be, by it] the total of the sums at the credit of those accounts) is less than the total of the sums received by him in the course of his practice on behalf of his clients [F126 or, as the case may be, by it on behalf of its clients] and remaining due by him [F126 or, as the case may be, by it] to them, then, notwithstanding any rule of law to the contrary, the sum at the credit of the client account (or where several such accounts are kept, the total of the sums at the credit of those accounts) shall be divisible proportionately among the clients of the solicitor [F126 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] according to the respective sums received by him in the course of his practice on their behalf [F126 or, as the case may be, by it on their behalf] and remaining due by him [F126 or, as the case may be, by it] to them.

(2) The events to which subsection (1) applies are in relation to any solicitor—

(a) the sequestration of his estate;

(b) the granting by him of a trust deed for behoof of creditors;

(c) the appointment of a judicial factor on his estate.

[F127 (2A) The events to which subsection (1) applies are in relation to any incorporated practice—

(a) the making of an administration or winding up order or the appointment of a provisional liquidator, liquidator, receiver or judicial factor; or

(b) the passing of a resolution for voluntary winding-up (other than one passed solely for the purposes of reconstruction or amalgamation with another incorporated practice)]

(3) Where a solicitor [F128 or an incorporated practice] keeps an account at a bank in his [F128 or, as the case may be, its] own name [F128 or, as the case may be, by the incorporated practice in its own name] for a specified client no regard shall be had for the purposes of this section to the sum at the credit of that account or to any sums received by the solicitor in the course of his practice on behalf of that client [F128 or, as the case may be, by the incorporated practice on that behalf] and remaining due by him [F128 or, as the case may be, by it] to that client, so far as these are represented by the sum at the credit of that bank account [F129 ; nor shall any regard be had for such purposes to any—

(a) deposit or share account with a. . . F130 building society; or

(b) account showing sums on loan to a local authority,

being in either case an account kept by the solicitor in his own name [F128 or, as the case may be, by the incorporated practice in its own name] for a specified client.]

(4) For the purposes of this section any reference to an account at a bank includes a reference to a deposit receipt at a bank.

Textual Amendments

F126 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 20(a)

F127 S. 42(2A) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 20(b)

F128 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 20(c)

F129 Words added by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 76:3), s. 25(b)

F130 Word repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15 S. 42 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Valid from 01/10/2008

[F131 42ZA Unsatisfactory professional conduct: Council's powers S

(1) Where a conduct complaint suggesting unsatisfactory professional conduct by a practitioner who is a solicitor is remitted to the Council under section 6(a) or 15(5)(a) of the 2007 Act, the Council must having—

(a) investigated the complaint under section 47(1) of that Act and made a written report under section 47(2) of that Act;

(b) given the solicitor an opportunity to make representations,

determine the complaint.

(2) Where a complaint is remitted to the Council under section 53ZA, the Council—

(a) must—

(i) notify the solicitor specified in it and the complainer of that fact and that the Council are required to investigate the complaint as a complaint of unsatisfactory professional conduct;

(ii) so investigate the complaint;

(iii) having so investigated the complaint and given the solicitor an opportunity to make representations, determine the complaint;

(b) may rely, in their investigation, on any findings in fact which the Tribunal makes available to them under section 53ZA(2) as respects the complaint.

(3) Where the Council make a determination under subsection (1) or (2) upholding the complaint, they—

(a) shall censure the solicitor;

(b) may take any of the steps mentioned in subsection (4) which they consider appropriate.

(4) The steps are—

(a) where the Council consider that the solicitor does not have sufficient competence in relation to any aspect of the law or legal practice, to direct the solicitor to undertake such education or training as regards the law or legal practice as the Council consider appropriate in that respect;

(b) subject to subsection (6), to direct the solicitor to pay a fine not exceeding £2,000;

(c) where the Council consider that the complainer has been directly affected by the conduct, to direct the solicitor to pay compensation of such amount, not exceeding £5,000, as they may specify to the complainer for loss, inconvenience or distress resulting from the conduct.

(5) The Council may, in considering the complaint, take account of any previous determination by them, the Tribunal or the Court upholding a complaint against the solicitor of unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct (but not a complaint in respect of which an appeal is pending or which has been quashed ultimately on appeal).

(6) The Council shall not direct the solicitor to pay a fine under subsection (4)(b) where, in relation to the subject matter of the complaint, the solicitor has been convicted by any court of an act involving dishonesty and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 2 years.

(7) Any fine directed to be paid under subsection (4)(b) above shall be treated for the purposes of section 211(5) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (fines payable to HM Exchequer) as if it were a fine imposed in the High Court.

(8) The Council shall intimate—

(a) a determination under subsection (1) or (2);

(b) any censure under subsection (3)(a);

(c) any direction under subsection (4),

to the complainer and the solicitor specified in it by sending to each of them a copy of the determination, censure or, as the case may be, the direction and by specifying the reasons for the determination.

(9) A solicitor in respect of whom a determination upholding a conduct complaint has been made under subsection (1) or (2), or a direction has been made under subsection (4) may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the determination or, as the case may be, the direction is intimated to him, appeal to the Tribunal against the—

(a) determination;

(b) direction (whether or not he is appealing against the determination).

(10) A complainer may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which a determination under subsection (1) or (2) not upholding the conduct complaint is intimated to him, appeal to the Tribunal against the determination.

(11) Where the Council have upheld the conduct complaint but have not directed the solicitor under subsection (4)(c) to pay compensation, the complainer may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the determination upholding the complaint is intimated to him, appeal to the Tribunal against the Council's decision not to make a direction under that subsection.

(12) A complainer to whom the Council have directed a solicitor under subsection (4)(c) to pay compensation may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the direction under that subsection is intimated to him, appeal to the Tribunal against the amount of the compensation directed to be paid.

(13) The Scottish Ministers may by order made by statutory instrument—

(a) amend subsection (4)(b) by substituting for the amount for the time being specified in that subsection such other amount as appears to them to be justified by a change in the value of money;

(b) after consulting the Council and such groups of persons representing consumer interests as they consider appropriate, amend subsection (4)(c) by substituting for the amount for the time being specified in that subsection such other amount as they consider appropriate.

(14) A statutory instrument containing an order under—

(a) subsection (13)(a) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament;

(b) subsection (13)(b) is not to be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament.

(15) In this section, “complainer” means the person who made the complaint and, where the complaint was made by the person on behalf of another person, includes that other person.

Textual Amendments

F131 Ss. 42ZA, 42ZB inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

Valid from 01/10/2008

42ZB Unsatisfactory professional conduct: Council's powers to monitor compliance with direction under section 42ZA(4) S

(1) The Council shall, by notice in writing, require every solicitor who is specified in—

(a) a direction made under section 42ZA(4); or

(b) such a direction as confirmed or varied on appeal by—

(i) the Tribunal; or

(ii) the Court,

to give, before the expiry of such period being not less than 21 days as the notice specifies, an explanation of the steps which he has taken to comply with the direction.

(2) Where an appeal is made under section 42ZA(9) or (12) or 54A(1) or (2) against a direction made under section 42ZA(4), any notice under subsection (1)(a) above relating to the direction shall cease to have effect pending the outcome of the appeal.]

Textual Amendments

F131 Ss. 42ZA, 42ZB inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

Valid from 01/10/2008

[F132 42ZC Report by Commission to Council under section 10(2)(e) of the 2007 Act: Council's powers S

(1) Where the Council receive a report from the Commission under section 10(2)(e) of the 2007 Act as respects a practitioner who is a solicitor, they may direct him to undertake such education or training as regards the law or legal practice as the Council consider appropriate in the circumstances.

(2) The Council shall by notice in writing—

(a) intimate a direction under subsection (1) to the solicitor;

(b) require the solicitor to give, before the expiry of such period being not less than 21 days as the notice specifies, an explanation of the steps which he has taken to comply with the direction.

(3) Where an appeal is made under section 42ZD(1) or (3) against a direction under subsection (1), any notice under subsection (2)(b) relating to the direction shall cease to have effect pending the outcome of the appeal.

Textual Amendments

F132 Ss. 42ZC, 42ZD inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

Valid from 01/10/2008

42ZD Direction under section 42ZC(2): appeal by practitioner S

(1) A solicitor in respect of whom a direction has been made under section 42ZC(1) may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which it is intimated to him, appeal to the Tribunal against the direction.

(2) On an appeal to the Tribunal under subsection (1), the Tribunal may quash, confirm or vary the direction being appealed against.

(3) The solicitor may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the Tribunal's decision under subsection (2) is intimated to him, appeal to the Court against the decision.

(4) On an appeal to the Court under subsection (3), the Court may give such directions in the matter as it thinks fit, including directions as to the expenses of the proceedings before the Court and as to any order by the Tribunal relating to expenses.

(5) A decision of the Court on an appeal under subsection (3) shall be final.]

Textual Amendments

F132 Ss. 42ZC, 42ZD inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

[F133 42A Powers where inadequate professional services alleged. S

(1) Where—

(a) the Council receive, from any person having an interest, a complaint that professional services provided by a solicitor in connection with any matter in which he has been instructed by a client were inadequate; and

(b) the Council, after inquiry and after giving the solicitor an opportunity to make representations, uphold the complaint,

they may take such of the steps mentioned in subsection (2) as they think fit.

(2) The steps referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a) to determine that the amount of the fees and outlays to which the solicitor shall be entitled for the services shall be—

(i) nil; or

(ii) such amount as the Council may specify in the determination,

and to direct the solicitor to comply, or secure compliance, with such of the requirements set out in subsection (3) as appear to them to be necessary to give effect to the determination;

(b) to direct the solicitor to secure the rectification at his own expense of any such error, omission or other deficiency arising in connection with the services as the Council may specify;

(c) to direct the solicitor to take, at his own expense, such other action in the interests of the client as the Council may specify.

[F134 (d) to direct the solicitor to pay to the client by way of compensation such sum, not exceeding £1,000, as the Council may specify.]

(3) The requirements referred to in subsection (2)(a) are—

(a) to refund, whether wholly or to any specified extent, any amount already paid by or on behalf of the client in respect of the fees and outlays of the solicitor in connection with the services;

(b) to waive, whether wholly or to any specified extent, the right to recover those fees and outlays.

(4) Before making a determination in accordance with subsection (2)(a) the Council may submit the solicitor’s account for the fees and outlays to the Auditor of the Court of Session for taxation.

(5) Where a solicitor in respect of whom a complaint of inadequate professional services is made was, at the time when the services were provided, an employee of another solicitor, a direction under this section shall specify and apply to that other solicitor as well as the solicitor in respect of whom the complaint is made.

(6) The Council shall intimate a determination or direction made under this section to every solicitor specified in it by sending a copy of the determination or direction to him.

(7) A solicitor in respect of whom a determination or direction has been made under this section may, within 21 days of the date on which the determination or direction is intimated to him, appeal to the Tribunal against the determination or direction.

(8) In the foregoing provisions of this section—

• “client”, in relation to any matter in which a solicitor has been instructed, includes any person on whose behalf the person who gave the instructions was acting;

• “complaint” includes a complaint of provision of inadequate professional services remitted to the Council by the Tribunal under paragraph 8A of Schedule 4; and

• “solicitor” includes—

(a) any solicitor, whether or not he had a practising certificate in force at the time of provision of the professional services which are alleged to be inadequate, and notwithstanding that subsequent to that time he has had his name removed from or struck off the roll, ceased to practise or been suspended from practice;

(b) a firm of solicitors, whether or not, since the provision of the professional services which are alleged to be inadequate—

(i) there has been any change in the firm by the addition of a new partner or the death or resignation of an existing partner; or

(ii) the firm has ceased to practise; and

(c) an incorporated practice, whether or not, since the provision of the professional services which are alleged to be inadequate—

(i) there has been any change in the persons exercising the management and control of the practice; or

(ii) the practice has ceased to be recognised by virtue of section 34(1A) or has been wound up.]

Textual Amendments

F133 Ss. 42A, 42B inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), ss. 1, 6(3)

F134 S. 42A(2)(d) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(8); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16 S. 42A applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F135 42B Inadequate professional services: Council’s powers to monitor compliance with directions. S

(1) The Council shall, by notice in writing, require every solicitor specified in—

(a) a direction made under section 42A; or

(b) such a direction as confirmed or varied on appeal by—

(i) the Tribunal; or

(ii) the Court,

to give, within such period being not less than 21 days as the notice may specify, an explanation of the steps which he has taken to comply with the direction.

(2) Where an appeal is made under subsection (7) of section 42A against a direction made under that section, any notice under subsection (1)(a) above relating to that direction shall cease to have effect.

(3) Where an appeal is made by virtue of subsection (2) of section 53B against a decision of the Tribunal under subsection (1) of that section, any notice under subsection (1)(b)(i) above relating to the direction confirmed or varied by that decision shall cease to have effect.

(4) In this section “solicitor” has the same meaning as in section 42A(8).]

Textual Amendments

F135 Ss. 42A, 42Binserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), ss. 1, 6(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 42B applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F136 42C Powers to examine documents and demand explanations in connection with complaints. S

(1) Where the Council are satisfied that it is necessary for them to do so for the purpose of investigating a complaint made to them or remitted to them by the Tribunal alleging—

(a) professional misconduct by a solicitor;

(b) the failure of an incorporated practice to comply with any provision of this Act or of rules made under this Act applicable to that practice; or

(c) the provision by a solicitor or an incorporated practice of inadequate professional services,

the Council may give notice in writing in accordance with subsection (2) to the solicitor or his firm or to the incorporated practice or, where the solicitor is an employee of a firm or of an incorporated practice, to his employer.

(2) A notice under subsection (1) may require—

(a) the production or delivery to any person appointed by the Council, at a time and place specified in the notice, of all documents to which this section applies which are in the possession or control of the solicitor, firm or incorporated practice and relate to the matters to which the complaint relates (whether or not they relate also to other matters); and

(b) an explanation, within such period, not being less than 21 days, as the notice may specify, from the solicitor, firm or incorporated practice regarding the matters to which the complaint relates.

(3) This section applies to the documents specified in section 38(2).

(4) Part II of Schedule 3 shall have effect in relation to the powers conferred by subsection (1) to require the production or delivery of documents as it has effect in relation to the powers conferred by section 38, but with the following modifications—

(a) for the references in that Part to section 38 there shall be substituted references to this section; and

(b) for the reference in paragraph 5(1) in that Part to a person failing to produce or deliver documents immediately on being required by the Council to do so there shall be substituted a reference to a person failing to produce or deliver the documents within the time specified in the notice under subsection (1) of this section.]

Textual Amendments

F136 S. 42C inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 42C applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Protection of clients S

43 Guarantee Fund S

(1) There shall be a fund to be called “The Scottish Solicitors Guarantee Fund” (in this Act referred to as “the Guarantee Fund”, which shall be vested in the Society and shall be under the control and management of the Council.

(2) Subject to the provisions of this section and of Schedule 3 the Guarantee Fund shall be held by the Society for the purpose of making grants in order to compensate persons who in the opinion of the Council suffer pecuniary loss by reason of dishonesty on the part of

[F137 (a)] any solicitor in practice in the United Kingdom, or any employee of such a solicitor in connection with the practice of the solicitor, whether or not he had a practising certificate in force when the act of dishonesty was committed, and notwithstanding that subsequent to the commission of that act he may have died or had his name removed from or struck off the roll or may have ceased to practise or been suspended from practice. [F138 ; or

(b) any incorporated practice or any director, manager, secretary or other employee of an incorporated practice, notwithstanding that subsequent to the commission of that act it may have ceased to be recognised under section 34(1A) or have been wound up].

(3) No grant may be made under this section—

(a) in respect of a loss made good otherwise;

(b) in respect of a loss which in the opinion of the Council has arisen while the solicitor was suspended from practice;

(c) to a solicitor or his representatives in respect of a loss suffered by him or them in connection with his practice as a solicitor by reason of dishonesty on the part of a partner or employee of his; or

[F139 (cc) to an incorporated practice or any director or member thereof in respect of a loss suffered by it or him by reason of dishonesty on the part of any director, manager, secretary or other employee of the incorporated practice in connection with the practice]

(d) unless an application for a grant is made to the Society in such manner, and within such period after the date on which the loss first came to the knowledge of the applicant, as may be prescribed by rules made under Schedule 3.

(4) The decision of the Council with respect to any application for a grant shall be final.

(5) The Council may refuse to make a grant, or may make a grant only to a limited extent, if they are of opinion that there has been negligence on the part of the applicant or of any person for whom he is responsible which has contributed to the loss in question.

(6) The Council or any committee appointed by them may administer oaths for the purpose of inquiry into any matters which affect the making or refusal of a grant from the Guarantee Fund.

(7) Part I of Schedule 3 shall have effect with respect to the Guarantee Fund, including the making of contributions thereto by solicitors and the administration and management of the Fund by the Council; but nothing in that Schedule shall apply to or in the case of a solicitor—

(a) who is not in practice as a solicitor; or

(b) who is suspended from practice as a solicitor during suspension; or

(c) who is in any such employment as is specified in section 35(4) [F140 or in the employment of an incorporated practice];

but where any solicitor in any such employment as is mentioned in paragraph (c) engages in private practice as a solicitor, the said Schedule and the other provisions of this Act relating to the Guarantee Fund shall apply to him and in his case so far as regards such private practice.

Textual Amendments

F137 “(a)” inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 21(a)

F138 “; or” and s. 43(2)(b) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 21(a)

F139 S. 43(3)(cc) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 21(b)

F140 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 21(c)

44 Professional indemnity. S

(1) The Council may make rules with the concurrence of the Lord President concerning indemnity for solicitors and former solicitors [F141 and incorporated practices] against any class of professional liability, and the rules may for the purpose of providing such indemnity do all or any of the following things, namely—

(a) authorise or require the Society to establish and maintain a fund or funds;

(b) authorise or require the Society to take out and maintain insurance with any person permitted under the M5 Insurance Companies Act 1974 to carry on liability insurance business or pecuniary loss insurance business;

(c) require solicitors or any specified class of solicitors [F141 and incorporated practices or any specified class thereof] to take out and maintain insurance with any person permitted under the Insurance Companies Act 1974 to carry on liability insurance business or pecuniary loss insurance business.

(2) The Society shall have power, without prejudice to any of its other powers, to carry into effect any arrangements which it considers necessary or expedient for the purpose of the rules.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of subsections (1) and (2) rules made under this section—

(a) may specify the terms and conditions on which indemnity is to be available, and any circumstances in which the right to it is to be excluded or modified;

(b) may provide for the management, administration and protection of any fund maintained by virtue of subsection (1)(a) and require solicitors or any class of solicitors [F142 and incorporated practices or any class of incorporated practices] to make payments to any such fund;

(c) may require solicitors or any class of solicitors [F142 and incorporated practices or any class of incorporated practices] to make payments by way of premium on any insurance policy maintained by the Society by virtue of subsection (1)(b);

(d) may prescribe the conditions which an insurance policy must satisfy for the purpose of subsection (1)(c);

(e) may authorise the Society to determine the amount of any payments required by the rules subject to such limits, or in accordance with such provisions, as may be prescribed by the rules;

(f) may specify circumstances in which, where a solicitor [F142 or incorporated practice] for whom indemnity is provided has failed to comply with the rules, proceedings in respect of sums paid by way of indemnity in connection with a matter in relation to which he [F142 or, as the case may be, it] has failed to comply may be taken against him [F142 or, as the case may be, it] by the Society or by insurers;

(g) may specify circumstances in which solicitors [F142 and incorporated practices] are exempt from the rules;

(h) may empower the Council to take such steps as they consider necessary or expedient to ascertain whether or not the rules are being complied with; and

(i) may contain incidental, procedural or supplementary provisions.

(4) Failure to comply with rules made under this section may be treated as professional misconduct for the purposes of Part IV, and any person may make a complaint in respect of that failure to the Discipline Tribunal.

(5) In this section “professional liability” means any civil liability incurred by a solicitor or former solicitor in connection with his practice or in connection with any trust of which he is or formerly was a trustee [F143 and, as respects incorporated practices, means any liability incurred by it which if it had been incurred by a solicitor would constitute such civil liability]

Textual Amendments

F141 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 22(a)

F142 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 22(b)

F143 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 22(c)

Marginal Citations

M5 1974 c. 79.

45 Safeguarding interests of clients of solicitor struck off or suspended. S

(1) The following provisions of this section shall have effect in relation to the practice of a solicitor whose name is struck off the roll or who is suspended from practice as a solicitor under any provision of this Act [F144 and, in relation to any incorporated practice, the recognition under section 34(1A) of which is revoked].

(2) [F145 In the case of a solicitor,] The solicitor shall within 21 days of the material date satisfy the Council that he has made suitable arrangements for making available to his clients or to some other solicitor or solicitors [F145 or incorporated practice] instructed by his clients or by himself—

(a) all deeds, wills, securities, papers, books of accounts, records, vouchers and other documents in his or his firm’s possession or control which are held on behalf of his clients or which relate to any trust of which he is sole trustee or co-trustee only with one or more of his partners or employees, and

(b) all sums of money due from him or his firm or held by

him or his firm on behalf of his clients or subject to any such trust as aforesaid.

[F146 (2A) In the case of an incorporated practice, it shall within 21 days of the material date satisfy the Council that it has made suitable arrangements for making available to its clients or to some other solicitor or solicitors or incorporated practice instructed by its clients or itself—

(a) all deeds, wills, securities, papers, books of accounts, records, vouchers and other documents in its possession or control which are held on behalf of its clients or which relate to any trust of which it is sole trustee or co-trustee only with one or more of its employees; and

(b) all sums of money due from it or held by it on behalf of its clients or subject to any trust as aforesaid.]

(3) If the solicitor [F147 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] fails so to satisfy the Council the provisions of Section 38 shall apply in relation to that solicitor [F147 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice], notwithstanding that the Council may not have reasonable cause to believe that he [F147 or, as the case may be, any director, manager, secretary or other employee of the incorporated practice] has been guilty of any such dishonesty as is mentioned in section 43(2).

(4) If the solicitor, immediately before the striking off or, as the case may be, the suspension,was a sole solicitor, the right to operate on, or otherwise deal with, any client account in the name of the solicitor or his firm shall on the occurrence of that event vest in the Society (notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law to the contrary) to the exclusion of any other person.

(5) In this section—

• “material date” means whichever is the latest of—

  (a)

  the date when the order of the Tribunal or Court by or in pursuance of which the solicitor is struck off the roll or suspended from practice [F148 or, as the case may be, the recognition under section 34(1A) is revoked.] is to take effect;

  (b)

  the last date on which—

  (i)

  an appeal against that order may be lodged or an application may be made to the Court under section 54(2), or

  (ii)

  an appeal against a decision of the Council under section 40 may be lodged;

  (c)

  the date on which any such appeal is dismissed or abandoned; and

• “sole solicitor” means a solicitor practising under his own name or as a single solicitor under a firm name.

Textual Amendments

F144 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 23(a)

F145 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 23(b)

F146 S. 45(2A) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 23(c)

F147 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 23(d)

F148 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 23(e)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 45 applied in part (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

46 Safeguarding interests of clients in certain other cases. S

(1) Where the Council are satisfied that a sole solicitor is incapacitated by illness or accident to such an extent as to be unable to operate on, or otherwise deal with, any client account in the name of the solicitor, or his firm, and that no other arrangements acceptable to the Council have been made, the right to operate on, or otherwise deal with, that account shall vest in the Society (notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law to the contrary) to the exclusion of any other person so long, but only so long, as the Council are satisfied that such incapacity and absence of other acceptable arrangements continues.

(2) Where a sole solicitor ceases to practise for any reason other than that his name has been struck off the roll or that he has been suspended from practice, and the Council are not satisfied that suitable arrangements have been made for making available to his clients or to some other solicitor or solicitors instructed by his clients or on their behalf—

(a) all deed, wills, securities, papers, books of accounts, records, vouchers and other documents in his or his firm’s possession or control which are held on behalf of his clients or which relate to any trust of which he is the sole trustee, or a co-trustee only with one or more of his employees, and

(b) all sums of money due from him or his firm or held by him or his firm on behalf of his clients or subject to any such trust as aforesaid,

the provision of section 38 shall apply in relation to that solicitor, notwithstanding that the Council may not have reasonable cause to believe that he has been guilty of any such dishonesty as is mentioned in section 43(2).

(3) Where the sole solicitor dies—

(a) the right to operate on or otherwise deal with any client account in the name of the solicitor or his firm shall vest in the Society (notwithstanding any enactment or rule of law to the contrary) to the exclusion of any personal representatives of the solicitor, and shall be exercisable as from the death of the solicitor; and

(b) if the Council are not satisfied that suitable arangements have been made for making available to the solicitor’s clients or to some other solicitor or solicitors instructed by his clients or on their behalf—

(i) all deeds, wills, securities, papers, books of accounts, records, vouchers and other documents which were in his or his firm’s possession or control which were held on behalf of his clients or which relate to any trust of which he was the sole trustee, or a co-trustee only with one or more of his employees, and

(ii) all sums of money which were due from him or his firm or were held by him or his firm on behalf of his clients or subject to any such trust as aforesaid,

the provisions of section 38 shall apply in relation to that solicitor notwithstanding that the Council may not have reasonable cause to believe that he had been guilty of any such dishonesty as is mentioned in section 43(2).

(4) In a case where the Society have operated on or otherwise dealt with a client account by virtue of subsection (3) the Society shall be entitled to recover from the estate of the solicitor who has died such reasonable expenses as the Society have thereby incurred.

(5) In this section “sole solicitor” has the same meaning as in section 45.

47 Restriction on employing solicitor struck off or suspended. S

(1) Unless he has the written permission of the Council to do so, a solicitor shall not, in connection with his [F149 or, as the case may be, its] practice as a solicitor, employ or remunerate any person who to his knowledge is disqualified from practising as a solicitor [F149 and, unless it has such permission, an incorporated practice shall not] by reason of the fact that his name has been struck off the roll or that he is suspended from practice as a solicitor.

(2) Any permission given by the Council for the purposes of subsection (1) may be given for such period and subject to such conditions as the Council think fit.

(3) A solicitor [F150 or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] aggrieved by the refusal of the Council to grant any such permission as aforesaid, or by any conditions attached by the Council to the grant thereof, may appeal to the Court; and on any such appeal the Court may give such directions in the matter as it thinks fit.

(4) If any solicitor acts in contravention of this section or of any condition subject to which any permission has been given thereunder, his name shall be struck off the roll or he shall be suspended from practice as a solicitor for such period as the Tribunal, or, in the case of an appeal, the Court, may think fit [F151 and if any incorporated practice so acts its recognition under section 34(1A) shall be revoked.]

Textual Amendments

F149 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 24(a)

F150 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 24(b)

F151 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 24(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 47 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F152 S

Textual Amendments

F152 S. 48 repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 5

Part IV S Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings

Lay Observer S

F153 49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S

Textual Amendments

F153 S. 49 repealed (15.8.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 4, Sch. 2.

The Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal S

50 The Tribunal. S

(1) For the purposes of this Part of this Act there shall be a tribunal, which shall be known as the Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline Tribunal and is in this Act referred to as “the Tribunal”.

(2) Part I of Schedule 4 shall have effect in relation to the constitution of the Tribunal.

51 Complaints to Tribunal. S

(1) A complaint may be made to the Tribunal by the Council; and, for the purpose of investigating and prosecuting complaints, the Council may appoint a solicitor to act as fiscal.

(2) The persons mentioned in subsection (3) may report to the Tribunal any case where it appears that a solicitor may have been guilty of professional misconduct (including any case where it appears that a solicitor may have been seeking to make extraordinary and apparently unjustified claims against his client [F154 or against the Scottish Legal Aid Fund]) [F155 or an incorporated practice may have failed to comply with any provision of this Act or of rules made under this Act applicable to it][F156 or a solicitor or an incorporated practice may have provided inadequate professional services], and any such report shall be treated by the Tribunal as a complain under subsection (1).

(3) The persons referred to in subsection (2) are—

(a) the Lord Advocate;

(b) any judge;

[F157 (ba) the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates;]

(c) the Auditor of the Court of Session;

(d) the Auditor of any sheriff court.

[F158 (e) the Scottish Legal Aid Board.]

[F159 (f) the Scottish legal services ombudsman.]

[F160 (4) Where a report is made to the Tribunal under subsection (2) the Tribunal may, if it thinks fit, appoint a solicitor to prosecute the complaint and the expenses of the solicitor, so far as not recoverable from the solicitor complained against, shall be paid out of the funds of the Tribunal.]

Textual Amendments

F154 Words inserted by Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47, SIF 77:2), ss. 43, 45, Sch. 3 para. 8(2), Sch. 4 para. 3(1)

F155 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 26

F156 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1)(3), Sch. 1 para. 14(a)

F157 S. 51(3)(ba) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(9)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F158 S. 51(3)(e) inserted by Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47, SIF 77:2), ss. 43, 45, Sch. 3 para. 8(3), Sch. 4 para. 3(1)

F159 S. 51(3)(f) substituted (3.6.1991) (for para. (f) added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 14(b)) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(9)(b); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F160 S. 51(4) added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 14(c)

52 Procedure on complaints to Tribunal. S

(1) Part II of Schedule 4, shall have effect in relation to the procedure and powers of the Tribunal in relation to any complaint concerning a solicitor [F161 or an incorporated practice].

(2) Subject to the other provisions of this Part, and of any rules of court made under this Act, the Tribunal, with the concurrence of the Lord President, may make rules—

(a) for regulating the making, hearing and determining of complaints made to it under this Act; and

[F162 (aa) for regulating the making, hearing and determining of appeals made to it under section 42A(7) or 53D(1);]

(b) generally as to the procedure of the Tribunal (including provision for hearings taking place in public or wholly or partly in private).

Textual Amendments

F161 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 27

F162 S. 52(2)(aa) inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 15

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 S. 52 applied by Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47, SIF 77:2), ss. 31(10), 45, Sch. 4 para. 2

53 Powers of Tribunal. S

(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Part, the powers exercisable by the Tribunal under subsection (2) shall be exercisable if—

(a) after holding an inquiry into a complaint against a solicitor the Tribunal is satisfied that he has been guilty of professional misconduct, or

(b) a solicitor has (whether before or after enrolment as a solicitor), been convicted by any court of an act involving dishonesty or has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 2 years [F163 , or

(c) an incorporated practice has been convicted by any court of an offence, which conviction the Tribunal is satisfied renders it unsuitable to continue to be recognised under section 34(1A); or

(d) after holding an inquiry into a complaint, the Tribunal is satisfied that an incorporated practice has failed to comply with any provision of this Act or of rules made under this Act applicable to it.]

(2) Subject to subsection (1), the Tribunal may—

(a) order that the name of the solicitor be struck off the roll; or

(b) order that the solicitor be suspended from practice as a solicitor for such time as it may determine; or

[F164 (ba) order that any right of audience held by the solicitor by virtue of section 25A be suspended or revoked;]

(c) subject to subsection (3), impose on the solicitor [F165 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] a fine not exceeding [F166 £10,000]; or

(d) censure the solicitor [F165 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice]; or

(e) impose such fine and censure him [F165 or, as the case may be, it][F167 or

(f) order that the recognition under section 34(1A) of the incorporated practice be revoked][F168 ; or

(g) order that an investment business certificate issued to a solicitor, a firm of solicitors or an incorporated practice be—

(i) suspended for such time as they may determine; or

(ii) subject to such terms and conditions as it may direct; or

(iii) revoked.]

(3) The Tribunal shall not impose a fine under subsection (2)(c) in any of the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

[F169 (3A) The powers conferred by subsection (2)(c), (d) and (e) may be exercised by the Tribunal—

(a) in relation to a former solicitor, notwithstanding that his name has been struck off the roll or that he has, since the date of the misconduct, conviction or sentence referred to in subsection (1)(a) or (b), ceased to practise as a solicitor or been suspended from practice;

(b) in relation to a body corporate which was formerly an incorporated practice, notwithstanding that the body has, since the date of the conviction or failure referred to in subsection (1)(c) or (d), ceased to be recognised as an incorporated practice by virtue of section 34(1A).]

[F170 (3B) The power conferred by subsection (2)(ba) may be exercised by the Tribunal either independently of, or in conjunction with, any other power conferred by that subsection.]

(4) Any fine imposed by the Tribunal under subsection (2) shall be forfeit to Her Majesty.

(5) Where the Tribunal have exercised the power conferred by subsection (2) to censure, or impose a fine on, a solicitor, or both to censure and impose a fine, the Tribunal may order that the solicitor’s practising certificate shall be subject to such terms and conditions as the Tribunal may direct; and the Council shall give effect to any such order of the Tribunal.

(6) Where the Tribunal order that the name of a solicitor be struck off the roll, or that the solicitor be suspended from practice as a solicitor [F171 or that any right of audience held by the solicitor by virtue of section 25A be suspended or revoked], the Tribunal may direct that the order shall take effect on the date on which it is intimated to the solicitor; and if any such direction is given the order shall take effect accordingly.

[F172 (6A) Where the Tribunal order that the recognition under section 34(1A) of an incorporated practice be revoked, the Tribunal shall direct that the order shall take effect on such date as the Tribunal specifies, being a date not earlier than 60 days after its order is intimated to the incorporated practice, and such an order shall take effect accordingly.]

[F173 (6B) Where the Tribunal make an order under subsection (2)(g), they may direct that the order shall take effect on the date on which it is intimated to the solicitor, firm or incorporated practice; and if any such direction is given the order shall take effect accordingly.

(6C) The Council shall give effect to any order of the Tribunal under subsection (2)(g).]

(7) Where in relation to any such order as is mentioned in subsection (6) [F174 ,(6A) or (6B)] the Tribunal give a direction under [F175 subsection (6) or, as the case may be, subsection (6A)][F176 or (6B)], and an appeal against the order is taken to the Court under section 54, the order shall continue to have effect pending the determination or abandonment of the appeal unless, on an application under subsection (2) of section 54, the Court, otherwise directs.

[F177 (7A) In subsection (2)(g), section 53D(1) and paragraph 16(h) of Schedule 4, “investment business certificate” means a certificate issued by the Council under Rule 2.2 of the Solicitors (Scotland) (Conduct of Investment Business) Practice Rules 1988.]

[F178 (8) The Secretary of State may, by order made by statutory instrument subject to annullment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament, amend [F179 —

(a)] paragraph (c) of subsection (2) by substituting for the amount for the time being specified in that paragraph such other amount as appears to him to be justified by a change in the value of money.

[F180 (b) the definition of “investment business certificate” in subsection (7A) by substituting for the reference to Rule 2.2 of the Solicitors (Scotland) (Conduct of Investment Business) Practice Rules 1988, or such reference replacing that reference as may for the time being be specified in that subsection, a reference to such Practice Rule as may from time to time replace Rule 2.2.]]

Textual Amendments

F163 S. 53(1)(c)(d) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 28(a)

F164 S. 53(2)(ba) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. 2 para. 29(10)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

F165 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 28(b)

F166 '£10,000' in s. 53(2)(c) substituted (3.6.1991) by virtue of Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8, Pt. 2 para. 29(10)(b); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

F167 S. 53(2)(f) and the word “or” added by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 28(b)

F168 S. 53(2)(g) and “; or” immediately preceding it added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(a)

F169 S. 53(3A) inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(b)

F170 S. 53(3B) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. 2 para. 29(10)(c); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

F171 Words in s. 53(6) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. 2 para. 29(10)(d); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

F172 S. 53(6A) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 28(c)

F173 S. 53(6B)(6C) inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(c)

F174 Words substituted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(d)

F175 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 28(d)

F176 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(d)

F177 S. 53(7A) inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(e)

F178 S. 53(8) added by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 36:3), s. 24(a)(ii)

F179 S. 53(8): “—(a)” inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(f)(i)

F180 S. 53(8)(b) added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 16(f)(ii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 S. 53 applied in part (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), reg. 13

Valid from 01/10/2008

[F181 53ZA Remission of complaint by Tribunal to Council S

(1) Where, after holding an inquiry under section 53(1) into a complaint of professional misconduct against a solicitor, the Tribunal—

(a) is not satisfied that he has been guilty of professional misconduct;

(b) considers that he may be guilty of unsatisfactory professional conduct,

it must remit the complaint to the Council.

(2) Where the Tribunal remits a complaint to the Council under subsection (1), it may make available to the Council any of its findings in fact in its inquiry into the complaint under section 53(1).

Textual Amendments

F181 Ss. 53ZA-53ZC inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(3), 82, (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

Valid from 01/10/2008

53ZB Powers of Tribunal on appeal: unsatisfactory professional conduct S

(1) On an appeal to the Tribunal under section 42ZA(9) the Tribunal—

(a) may quash or confirm the determination being appealed against;

(b) if it quashes the determination, shall quash the censure accompanying the determination;

(c) may quash, confirm or vary the direction being appealed against;

(d) may, where it considers that the solicitor does not have sufficient competence in relation to any aspect of the law or legal practice, direct the solicitor to undertake such education or training as regards the law or legal practice as the Tribunal considers appropriate in that respect;

(e) may, subject to subsection (5), fine the solicitor an amount not exceeding £2000;

(f) may, where it considers that the complainer has been directly affected by the conduct, direct the solicitor to pay compensation of such amount, not exceeding £5,000, as it may specify to the complainer for loss, inconvenience or distress resulting from the conduct.

(2) On an appeal to the Tribunal under section 42ZA(10) the Tribunal—

(a) may quash the determination being appealed against and make a determination upholding the complaint;

(b) if it does so, may, where it considers that the complainer has been directly affected by the conduct, direct the solicitor to pay compensation of such amount, not exceeding £5,000, as it may specify to the complainer for loss, inconvenience or distress resulting from the conduct;

(c) may confirm the determination.

(3) On an appeal to the Tribunal under section 42ZA(11) the Tribunal may, where it considers that the complainer has been directly affected by the conduct, direct the solicitor to pay compensation of such amount, not exceeding £5,000, as it may specify to the complainer for loss, inconvenience or distress resulting from the conduct.

(4) On an appeal under section 42ZA(12) the Tribunal may quash, confirm or vary the direction being appealed against.

(5) The Tribunal shall not direct the solicitor to pay a fine under subsection (1)(e) where, in relation to the subject matter of the complaint, the solicitor has been convicted by any court of an act involving dishonesty and sentenced to a term of imprisonment of not less than 2 years.

(6) Any fine directed to be paid under subsection (1)(e) above shall be treated for the purposes of section 211(5) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (fines payable to HM Exchequer) as if it were a fine imposed in the High Court.

(7) A direction of the Tribunal under this section is enforceable in like manner as an extract registered decree arbitral in favour of the Council bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.

(8) The Scottish Ministers may by order made by statutory instrument—

(a) amend subsection (1)(e) by substituting for the amount for the time being specified in that subsection such other amount as appears to them to be justified by a change in the value of money;

(b) after consulting the Council and such groups of persons representing consumer interests as they consider appropriate, amend subsection (1)(f) by substituting for the amount for the time being specified in that subsection such other amount as they consider appropriate.

(9) A statutory instrument containing an order under—

(a) subsection (8)(a) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament;

(b) subsection (8)(b) is not to be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament.

(10) In this section, “complainer” has the same meaning as in section 42ZA.

Textual Amendments

F181 Ss. 53ZA-53ZC inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(3), 82, (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

Valid from 01/10/2008

53ZC Enforcement of Council direction: unsatisfactory professional conduct S

Where a solicitor fails to comply with a direction given by the Council under section 42ZA(4) (including such a direction as confirmed or varied on appeal by the Tribunal or, as the case may be, the Court) before the expiry of the period specified in the notice relating to that direction given to him under section 42ZB(1), or such longer period as the Council may allow, the direction shall be enforceable in like manner as an extract registered decree arbitral in favour of the Council bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.]

Textual Amendments

F181 Ss. 53ZA-53ZC inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(3), 82, (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

[F182 53A Inadequate professional services: powers of Tribunal. S

(1) Subject to the other provisions of this Part where—

(a) a complaint is made to the Tribunal that professional services provided by a solicitor in connection with any matter in which he has been instructed by a client were inadequate; and

(b) the Tribunal, after inquiry and after giving the solicitor an opportunity to make representations, upholds the complaint,

it may take such of the steps mentioned in subsection (2) as it thinks fit.

(2) The steps referred to in subsection (1) are—

(a) to determine that the amount of the fees and outlays to which the solicitor shall be entitled for the services shall be—

(i) nil; or

(ii) such amount as the Tribunal may specify in the determination,

and by order direct the solicitor to comply, or secure compliance, with such of the requirements set out in subsection (3) as appear to it to be necessary to give effect to the determination;

(b) to direct the solicitor to secure the rectification at his own expense of any such error, omission or other deficiency arising in connection with the services as the Tribunal may specify;

[F183 (ba) to order that any right of audience held by the solicitor by virtue of section 25A be suspended or revoked;]

(c) to direct the solicitor to take, at his own expense, such other action in the interests of the client as the Tribunal may specify.

[F184 (d) to direct the solicitor to pay the client by way of compensation such sum, not exceeding £1,000, as the Tribunal may specify.]

(3) The requirements referred to in subsection (2)(a) are—

(a) to refund, whether wholly or to any specified extent, any amount already paid by or on behalf of the client in respect of the fees and outlays of the solicitor in connection with the services;

(b) to waive, whether wholly or to any specified extent, the right to recover those fees and outlays.

(4) Before making a determination in accordance with subsection (2)(a) the Tribunal may submit the solicitor’s account for the fees and outlays to the Auditor of the Court of Session for taxation.

(5) Where a solicitor in respect of whom a complaint of inadequate professional services is made was, at the time when the services were provided, an employee of another solicitor, a direction under this section shall specify and apply to that other solicitor as well as the solicitor in respect of whom the complaint is made.

(6) A direction of the Tribunal under this section shall be enforceable in like manner as an extract registered decree arbitral in favour of the Council bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.

(7) Section 54(1) shall apply to a direction of the Tribunal under this section (but not to a decision to submit an account for taxation under subsection (4)) as it applies to a decision of the Tribunal relating to discipline under this Act.

(8) In the foregoing provisions of this section “solicitor” and “client” have the same meanings as in section 42A(8).]

Textual Amendments

F182 Ss. 53A–53C inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), ss. 3, 6(3)

F183 S. 53A(2)(ba) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(11)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F184 S. 53A(2)(d) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(11)(b); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 S. 53A applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F185 53B Inadequate professional services: appeal to Tribunal against Council determination or direction. S

(1) On an appeal to the Tribunal under section 42A(7) the Tribunal may quash, confirm or vary the determination or direction being appealed against.

(2) Section 54(1) shall apply to a decision of the Tribunal under subsection (1) as it applies to a decision of the Tribunal relating to discipline under this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F185 Ss. 53A–53C inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), ss. 3, 6(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 S. 53B applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F186 53C Inadequate professional services: enforcement by Tribunal of Council direction. S

(1) Where a solicitor fails to comply with a direction given by the Council under section 42A (including, as the case may be, such a direction as confirmed or varied on appeal by the Tribunal or the Court) within the period specified in the notice relating to that direction given to the solicitor under section 42B(1), or such longer period as the Council may allow, the Council shall make a complaint to the Tribunal and may appoint a solicitor to represent them in connection with the complaint.

(2) If after inquiry into a complaint made under subsection (1) the Tribunal is satisfied that the solicitor has failed to comply with the direction the Tribunal may order that the direction, or such part of it as the Tribunal thinks fit, shall be enforceable in like manner as an extract registered decree arbitral in favour of the Council bearing a warrant for execution issued by the sheriff court of any sheriffdom in Scotland.

(3) Paragraph 9 of Schedule 4 shall not apply to a complaint made under subsection (1).]

Textual Amendments

F186 Ss. 53A–53C inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), ss. 3, 6(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 53B applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F187 53D Suspension etc. of investment business certificates: appeal to Tribunal. S

(1) Where, in accordance with rules made under this Act, the Council suspend or withdraw an investment business certificate or impose conditions or restrictions on it the solicitor, firm of solicitors or incorporated practice to whom it was issued may, within 21 days of the date of intimation of the decision of the Council, appeal to the Tribunal against that decision.

(2) On an appeal to the Tribunal under subsection (1) the Tribunal may quash, confirm or vary the decision being appealed against.

(3) Section 54(1) shall apply to a decision of the Tribunal under subsection (2) as it applies to a decision of the Tribunal relating to discipline under this Act.]

Textual Amendments

F187 S. 53D inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 17

54 Appeals from decisions of Tribunal. S

(1) Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Tribunal relating to discipline under this Act may within 21 days of the date on which the decision of the Tribunal is intimated to [F188 that person], appeal against the decision to the Court, and on any such appeal the Court may give such directions in the matter as it thinks fit, including directions as to the expenses of the proceedings before the Court and as to any order by the Trinbunal relating to expenses; and the order of the Court shall be final.

(2) Where

[F189 (a)] the Tribunal has exercised the power conferred by section 53(6) to direct that its decision shall take effect on the date on which it is intimated to the solicitor concerned, the solicitor may, within 21 days of that date, apply to the Court for an order varying or quashing the direction in so far as it relates to the date of taking effect [F190 ;

(b) the Tribunal has ordered the revocation of the recognition under section 34(1A) of an incorporated practice, the incorporated practice may within 21 days of the date when the order is intimated to it apply to the court for an order varying (subject to the limit of 60 days referred to in subsection (6A) of section 53) the direction under that subsection;]

; and on any such application the Court may make the order applied for or such other order with respect to the matter as it thinks fit.

Textual Amendments

F188 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 29(a)

F189 “(a)” inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 29(b)

F190 “;” and s. 54(2)(b) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 29(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26 S. 54 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Valid from 01/10/2008

[F191 54A Appeals from decisions of Tribunal: unsatisfactory professional conduct S

(1) A solicitor in respect of whom a decision has been made by the Tribunal under section 53ZB(1), (2), (3) or (4) may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which the decision is intimated to him, appeal to the Court against the decision.

(2) A complainer may, before the expiry of the period of 21 days beginning with the day on which a decision by the Tribunal under section 53ZB to which this subsection applies is intimated to him, appeal to the Court against the decision.

(3) Subsection (2) applies to the following decisions of the Tribunal under section 53ZB—

(a) a decision under subsection (1)(a) quashing the Council's determination upholding the complaint;

(b) a decision under subsection (1)(c) quashing or varying a direction by the Council that the solicitor pay compensation;

(c) a decision under subsection (1)(f) directing the solicitor to pay compensation;

(d) a decision under subsection (2)(b) not to direct the solicitor to pay compensation;

(e) a decision under subsection (2)(c) confirming the Council's decision not to uphold the complaint;

(f) a decision under subsection (3) confirming the Council's decision not to direct the solicitor to pay compensation;

(g) a decision under subsection (4) quashing the Council's direction that the solicitor pay compensation or varying the amount of compensation directed to be paid.

(4) On an appeal under subsection (1) or (2), the Court may give such directions in the matter as it thinks fit, including directions as to the expenses of the proceedings before the Court and as to any order by the Tribunal relating to expenses.

(5) A decision of the Court under subsection (4) shall be final.

(6) In this section, “complainer” has the same meaning as in section 42ZA.]

Textual Amendments

F191 S. 54A inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(4), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

The Court S

55 Powers of Court S

(1) In the case of professional misconduct by any solicitor the Court may—

(a) cause the name of that solicitor to be struck off the roll; or

(b) suspend the solicitor from practice as a solicitor for such period as the Court may determine; or

[F192 (ba) suspend the solicitor from exercising any right of audience held by him by virtue of section 25A for such period as the court may determine; or

(bb) revoke any right of audience so acquired by him; or]

(c) fine the solicitor; or

(d) censure him; and in any of those events,

(e) find him liable in any expenses which may be involved in the proceedings before the Court.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), a decision of the Court under this section shall be final.

(3) A solicitor whose name has been struck off the roll in pursuance of an order made by the Court under subsection (1), may apply to the Court for an order directing his name to be restored to the roll and the Court may make such order.

[F193 (3A) A solicitor whose rights of audience under section 25A have been revoked in pursuance of an order made by the court under subsection (1) may apply to the court for an order restoring those rights, and the court may make such order.]

(4) An application under subsection (3) shall be by way of petition and intimation of any such petition shall be made to the Tribunal who shall be entitled to appear and to be heard in respect of the application.

Textual Amendments

F192 S. 55(1)(ba)(bb) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(12)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F193 S. 55(3A) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(12)(b); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 S. 55 applied in part (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Valid from 01/10/2008

[F194 55A Powers of Court: unsatisfactory professional conduct S

(1) In the case of unsatisfactory professional conduct by a solicitor the Court may—

(a) fine the solicitor an amount not exceeding £2000;

(b) where it considers that the complainer has been directly affected by the conduct, direct the solicitor to pay compensation of such amount, not exceeding £5,000, as it may specify to the complainer for loss, inconvenience or distress resulting from the conduct;

(c) find the solicitor liable in any expenses which may be involved in the proceedings before it.

(2) A decision of the Court under subsection (1) shall be final.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may by order made by statutory instrument—

(a) amend subsection (1)(a) by substituting for the amount for the time being specified in that subsection such other amount as appears to them to be justified by a change in the value of money;

(b) after consulting the Council and such groups of persons representing consumer interests as they consider appropriate, amend subsection (1)(b) by substituting for the amount for the time being specified in that subsection such other amount as they consider appropriate.

(4) A statutory instrument containing an order under—

(a) subsection (3)(a) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament;

(b) subsection (3)(b) is not to be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Scottish Parliament.

(5) In this section, “complainer” has the same meaning as in section 42ZA.]

Textual Amendments

F194 S. 55A inserted (1.10.2008) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 53(5), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2008/311, art. 2

56 Saving for jurisdiction of courts. S

Except as otherwise expressly provided, nothing in this Part shall affect the jurisdiction exercisable by the Court, or by any inferior court, over solicitors.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28 S. 56 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F195 56A Further provision as to compensation awards. S

(1) The taking of any steps under section 42A(2) or 53A(2) shall not be founded upon in any proceedings for the purpose of showing that the solicitor in respect of whom the steps were taken was negligent.

(2) A direction under section 42A(2)(d) or 53A(2)(d) to a solicitor to pay compensation to a client shall not prejudice any right of that client to take proceedings against that solicitor for damages in respect of any loss which he alleges he has suffered as a result of that solicitor’s negligence, and any sum directed to be paid to that client under either of those provisions may be taken into account in the computation of any award of damages made to him in any such proceedings.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument amend subsection (2)(d) of sections 42A and 53A by substituting for the sum for the time being specified in those provisions such other sum as he considers appropriate.

(4) Before making any such order the Secretary of State shall consult the Council.

(5) An order made under this section shall be subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F195 S. 56A inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(13); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C29 S. 56A applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

PART V S Notaries Public

57 Admission and enrolment of solicitors as notaries public. S

[F196 (1) The offices and functions of—

(a) the clerk to the admission of notaries public; and

(b) the keeper of the register of notaries public,

are hereby transferred to the Council.]

(2) Any solicitor may apply to the Court to be admitted as a notary public; and on any such application the Court may so admit the applicant and may [F197 direct the Council to register him in the register of notaries public.]

[F198 (2A) A petition by the Council under section 6(3A) for the admission of a person as a solicitor may, if the person so requests, include an application for the person’s admission as a notary public; and an order on any such petition admitting that person as a solicitor may admit him as a notary public and direct the Council to register him in the register of notaries public.

(2B) A petition by a person under section 6(2) for his admission as a solicitor may include an application for his admission as a notary public; and an order on any such petition admitting that person as a solicitor may admit him as a notary public and direct the Council to register him in the register of notaries public.]

(3) It shall not be necessary for any person to find caution on his admission as a notary public.

(4) The procedure to be followed. . . F199 on any application by a [F200 person] to be admitted a notary public may be prescribed by rules of court.

[F201 (5) The Council may charge such reasonable fees as they consider appropriate in respect of the admission of any person as a notary public.]

Textual Amendments

F196 S. 57(1) substituted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(2)(a); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

F197 Words in s. 57(2) substituted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(2)(b); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

F198 S. 57(2A)(2B) inserted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(2)(c); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

F199 Words repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

F200 Word in s. 57(4) substituted (20.7.1992) for by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(2)(d); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

F201 S. 57(5) substituted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(2)(e); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

58 Removal from and restoration to register of names of notaries public. S

(1) In the case of any person who is both a solicitor and a notary public, if his name is struck off the roll of solicitors or is removed from that roll in pursuance of an order under any provision of this Act, the Council shall forthwith [F202 strike off or, as the case may be, remove his name from the register of notaries public].

(2) If the name of any such person, having been struck off or removed from the roll as aforesaid, is subsequently restored thereto in pursuance of an order under any provision of this Act, [F203 the Council shall forthwith] restore the name to the register of notaries public.

[F204 (3) Where a person who is both a solicitor and a notary public is suspended from practising as a solicitor under this Act the Council shall forthwith remove the person’s name from the register of notaries public.

(4) If the suspension of such a person as is mentioned in subsection (3) is terminated or otherwise comes to an end the Council shall restore the person’s name to the register.]

Textual Amendments

F202 Words in s. 58(1) substituted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(3)(a); S.I 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

F203 Words in s. 58(2) substituted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(3)(b); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

F204 S. 58(3)(4) added (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 37(3)(c); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

59 Authority of notaries public to administer oaths, etc. S

(1) Subject to subsection (2), in any case where the administration of an oath, or the receipt of an affidavit or solemn affirmation, is authorised by or under any enactment, it shall be lawful for the oath to be administered, or, as the case may be, for the affidavit or affirmation to be received, by a notary public.

(2) Nothing in this section applies to an oath or affirmation relating to any matter or thing relating to the preservation of the peace or to the prosecution, trial or punishment of an offence, or to any proceedings before either House of Parliament or any committee thereof.

(3) This section is without prejudice to any other statutory provision relating to the administration of oaths by notaries public.

Valid from 23/11/2007

[F205 59A Rules regarding notaries public S

(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the Council may, if they think fit, make rules for regulating in respect of any matter the admission, enrolment and professional practice of notaries public.

(2) The Council shall, before making any rules under this section—

(a) send to each notary public a draft of the rules; and

(b) take into consideration any representations made by any notary public on the draft.

(3) Rules made under this section shall not have effect unless the Lord President, after considering any representations the Lord President thinks relevant, has approved the rules so made.

(4) If a notary public fails to comply with any rule made under this section that failure may be treated as professional misconduct or unsatisfactory professional conduct on the part of the solicitor who is the notary public.]

Textual Amendments

F205 S. 59A inserted (23.11.2007) by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 63, 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2007/497, art. 2

60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F206 S

Textual Amendments

F206 S. 60 repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

PART VI S Miscellaneous And General

Miscellaneous S

Prospective

[F207 60A Multi-national practices. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, solicitors and incorporated practices may enter into multi-national practices with registered foreign lawyers.

(2) The Council shall maintain a register of foreign lawyers, and may make rules with regard to registration; and, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, such rules may include provision as to—

(a) the manner in which applications for registration are to be made;

(b) the fees payable in respect of such applications;

(c) conditions which may be imposed in respect of registration; and

(d) the period for which any such registration is to run.

(3) Section 34(2) and (3) apply to rules made under subsection (2) as they apply to rules made under that section.

(4) Any foreign lawyer may apply to the Council to be registered as such for the purposes of this section and the Council shall, if they are satisfied that the legal profession of which the applicant is a member is so regulated as to make it appropriate for him to be allowed to enter into a multi-national practice with solicitors or incorporated practices, enter his name on the register.

(5) Subject to subsection (6), the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument provide that any enactment or instrument—

(a) passed or made before the commencement of this section;

(b) having effect in relation to solicitors; and

(c) specified in the order,

shall have effect with respect to registered foreign lawyers as it has effect with respect to solicitors.

(6) Before making any order under subsection (5), the Secretary of State shall consult the Council.

(7) An order under subsection (5) may provide for an enactment or instrument to have effect with respect to registered foreign lawyers subject to such additions, omissions or other modifications as the Secretary of State specifies in the order.

(8) No order shall be made under subsection (5) unless a draft of the order has been approved by both Houses of Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F207 S. 60A inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 32, 75(2)

61 Protection of banks. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, no bank [F208 or building society] shall, in connection with any transaction on any account of a solicitor [F209 or an incorporated practice] kept with it or with any other bank [F208 or building society]—

(a) incur any liability, or

(b) be under any obligation to make any enquiry, or

(c) be deemed to have any knowledge of any right of any person to any money paid or credited to the account,

which it would not incur, or be under, or be deemed to have (as the case may be) in the case of an account kept by a person entitled absolutely to all money paid or credited to it; but nothing in this subsection shall relieve a bank [F208 or building society] from any liability or obligation under which it would be apart from this Act.

(2) In subsection (1) “account” does not include an account kept by a solicitor [F209 or an incorporated practice] as trustee for a specified beneficiary.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in the preceding provisions of this section a bank [F208 or building society] at which a solicitor [F210 or an incorporated practice] keeps a special account for clients’ money shall not, in respect of any liability of the solicitor [F210 or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] to the bank [F208 or building society] (not being a liability in connection with that account) have or obtain any recourse or right, whether by way of set-off, counter-claim, charge or otherwise, against money standing to the credit of that account.

Textual Amendments

F208 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 19

F209 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 31(a)

F210 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 31(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C30 S. 61 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F211 61A Solicitors fees. S

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, and without prejudice to—

(a) section 32(1)(i) of the M6 Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971; or

(b) section 5(h) of the M7 Court of Session Act 1988,

where a solicitor and his client have reached an agreement in writing as to the solicitor’s fees in respect of any work done or to be done by him for his client it shall not be competent, in any litigation arising out of any dispute as to the amount due to be paid under any such agreement, for the court to remit the solicitor’s account for taxation.

(2) Subsection (1) is without prejudice to the court’s power to remit a solicitor’s account for taxation in a case where there has been no written agreement as to the fees to be charged.

(3) A solicitor and his client may agree, in relation to a litigation undertaken on a speculative basis, that, in the event of the litigation being successful, the solicitor’s fee shall be increased by such a percentage as may, subject to subsection (4), be agreed.

(4) The percentage increase which may be agreed under subsection (3) shall not exceed such limit as the court may, after consultation with the Council, prescribe by act of sederunt.]

Textual Amendments

F211 S. 61A inserted (20.7.1992) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 36(3); S.I. 1992/1599, art.4, Sch. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31 S. 61A applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Marginal Citations

M6 1971 c.58(36:3).

M7 1988 c.36(36:1).

62 Charge for expenses out of property recovered. S

(1) Where a solicitor has been employed by a client to pursue or defend any action or proceeding, the court before which the action or proceeding has been heard or is depending may declare the solicitor entitled, in respect of the taxed expenses of or in reference to the action or proceeding, to a charge upon, and a right to payment out of, any property (of whatsoever nature, tenure or kind it may be) which has been recovered or preserved on behalf of the client by the solicitor in the action or proceeding; and the court may make such order for the taxation of, and for the raising and payment of, those expenses out of the said property as the court thinks just.

(2) Where a declaration has been made under subsection (1) any act done or deed granted by the client after the date of the declaration except an act or deed in favour of a bona fide purchaser or lender, shall be absolutely void as against the charge or right.

[F212 62A Council’s power to recover expenses incurred under section 38, 45 or 46. S

(1) Without prejudice to the Society’s entitlement under section 46(4) to recover expenses, the Council shall be entitled to recover from a solicitor or incorporated practice in respect of whom it has taken action under section 38, 45, or 46, any expenditure reasonably incurred by it in so doing.

(2) Expenditure incurred in taking action under section 38 is recoverable under subsection (1) above only where notice has been served under paragraph 5(2) of Schedule 3 in connection with that action and—

(a) no application has been made in consequence under paragraph 5(4) of that Schedule; or

(b) the Court, on such an application, has made a direction under paragraph 5(5) of that Schedule.]

Textual Amendments

F212 S. 62A inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 6

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32 S. 62A applied in part (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

General S

63 Penalties and time limit for prosecution of offences S

(1) Any person guilty of an offence under this Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F213 [F214 level 4] on the standard scale][F215 . . ..]

(2) Notwithstanding any provision of the M8 Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975, the prosecution of any offence under this Act shall be commenced within 6 months of its first discovery by the prosecutor or in any event within 2 years after the commission of that offence.

[F216 (3) Where an offence under this Act is committed by a body corporate and is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of—

(a) any director, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate; or

(b) any person who was purporting to act in any such capacity,

he (as well as the body corporate) shall be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.

(4) Where an offence under this Act is committed by a partnership or by an unincorporated association (other than a partnership) and is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of a partner in the partnership or, as the case may be, a person concerned in the management or control of the association, he (as well as the partnership or association) shall be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.]

Textual Amendments

F213 Words substituted by virtue of Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (c. 21, SIF 39:1), ss. 289F, 289G

F214 Words in s. 63(1) substituted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(14)(a)(i); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F215 Words in s. 63(1) repealed (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(14)(a)(ii), Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

F216 S. 63(3)(4) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(14)(b); 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33 S. 63 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Marginal Citations

M8 1975 c.21.

64 Service of notices etc. S

Any notice or other document which is required or authorised under this Act to be given to, or served on, any person shall be taken to be duly given or served if it is delivered to him or left at, or sent by post to, his last-known place of business or residence [F217 or, in the case of an incorporated practice, it is left at, or delivered or sent by post to, its registered office].

Textual Amendments

F217 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 32

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34 S. 64 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

[F218 64A Advisory and supervisory functions of the Director General of Fair Trading. S

(1) Before considering any rule—

(a) made under section 25A(4) or (5); or

(b) such as is mentioned in section 34(3A),

the Secretary of State shall send a copy of the proposed rule in question to the Director.

(2) The Director shall consider whether the rule in question would have, or would be likely to have, the effect of restricting, distorting or preventing competition to any significant extent.

(3) When the Director has completed his consideration he shall give such advice to the Secretary of State as he thinks fit.

(4) The Director may publish any advice given by him under subsection (3).

(5) The Director shall, so far as practicable, exclude from anything published under subsection (4) any matter—

(a) which relates to the affairs of a particular person; and

(b) the publication of which would, or might in the Director’s opinion, seriously and prejudicially affect the interests of that person.

(6) For the purposes of the law of defamation, the publication of any advice or report by the Director under this section shall be absolutely privileged.]

Textual Amendments

F218 Ss. 64A–64D inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s.43; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

[F219 64B Duty of Secretary of State. S

When he has received advice under section 64A(3) in relation to a rule made under section 25A(4) or (5) or such as is mentioned in section 34(3A), the Secretary of State may, having considered—

(a) that advice;

(b) whether the interests of justice require that there should be such a rule; and

(c) in relation to a rule made under section 25A(5), any relevant practice obtaining in the sheriff court,

approve or refuse to approve the rule.]

Textual Amendments

F219 Ss. 64A–64D inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s.43; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

[F220 64C Investigatory powers of the Director. S

(1) For the purpose of investigating any matter under section 64A, the Director may by notice in writing—

(a) require any person to produce to him or to any person appointed by him for the purpose, at a time and place specified in the notice, any documents which are specified or described in the notice and which—

(i) are in that person’s custody or under that person’s control; and

(ii) relate to any matter relevant to the investigation; or

(b) require any person carrying on any business to furnish to him (whithin such time and in such manner and form as the notice may specify) such information as may be specified or described in the notice.

(2) A person shall not be required under this section to produce any document or disclose any information which he would be entitled to refuse to produce or disclose on the grounds of confidentiality between a client and his professional legal adviser in any civil proceedings.

(3) Subsections (5) to (8) of section 85 of the M9 Fair Trading Act 1973 shall apply in relation to a notice under this section as they apply in relation to a notice under subsection (1) of that section.]

Textual Amendments

F220 Ss. 64A–64D inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s.43; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Marginal Citations

M9 1973 c.41(124:1).

Valid from 20/06/2003

[F221 64CA Enforcement of notices under section 64C S

 

(1) The court may, on an application by the Office of Fair Trading, enquire into whether any person (“the defaulter”) has refused or otherwise failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a notice under section 64C(1).

(2) An application under subsection (1) shall include details of the possible failure which the Office of Fair Trading considers has occurred.

(3) In enquiring into a case under subsection (1), the court shall hear any witness who may be produced against or on behalf of the defaulter and any statement which may be offered in defence.

(4) Subsections (5) and (6) apply where the court is satisfied, after hearing any witnesses and statements as mentioned in subsection (3), that the defaulter has refused or otherwise failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a notice under section 64C(1).

(5) The court may punish the defaulter as it would have been able to punish him had he been guilty of contempt of court.

(6) Where the defaulter is a body corporate or is a partnership constituted under the law of Scotland, the court may punish any director, officer or (as the case may be) partner of the defaulter as it would have been able to punish that director, officer or partner had he been guilty of contempt of court.

Textual Amendments

F221 Ss. 64CA, 64CB inserted (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Order (S.I. 2003/1398), art. 2, {Sch. para. 2(3)}

Valid from 20/06/2003

64CB Altering, etc. documents required to be produced under section 64C S

 

(1) A person commits an offence if he intentionally alters, suppresses or destroys a document which he has been required to produce by a notice under section 64C(1).

(2) A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) shall be liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.]

Textual Amendments

F221 Ss. 64CA, 64CB inserted (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Order (S.I. 2003/1398), art. 2, {Sch. para. 2(3)}

[F222 64D Review of rules approved by the Secretary of State. S

(1) Without prejudice to the power of the Council to review any rule made by them, where the Secretary of State has approved a rule under section 64B he may, and if so requested by the Lord President shall, require the Council to review its terms.

(2) When they have reviewed a rule following a requirement made under subsection (1), the Council may revise the rule in the light of that review, and shall then submit the rule as revised or, if they have not revised it, as previously approved to the Lord President and the Secretary of State.

(3) Where the Lord President and the Secretary of State are agreed that the terms of the rule as submitted to them are satisfactory, the Secretary of State shall approve the rule, and may direct the Council to bring it into force as soon as is practicable.

(4) Where either the Secretary of State or the Lord President is of the view that any rule, as submitted to them, is not satisfactory, but they do not agree as to what the terms of the rule should be, the rule shall continue to have effect as previously approved.

(5) Where the Secretary of State and the Lord President agree both that any rule submitted to them under subsection (2) is not satisfactory, and as to what the terms of the rule should be, the Secretary of State may direct the Council—

(a) to amend the rule in such manner as he and the Lord President consider appropriate; and

(b) to bring the rule, as so amended, into force as soon as is practicable.

(6) The provisions of sections 64A and 64B apply to rules submitted to the Secretary of State under this section as they apply to rules submitted to him under sections 25A(9) or (10) and 34(3A).]

Textual Amendments

F222 Ss. 64A–64D inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s.43; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

65 Interpretation. S

(1) In this Act, except in so far as the context otherwise requires—

• “accounts rules” has the meaning given by section 35;

• “accountant’s certificate rules” has the meaning given by section 37(3);

• “advocate” means a member of the Faculty of Advocates;

• [F223 “building society” means a building society within the meaning of the M10 Building Societies Act 1986;]

• “client account” means a current or deposit or savings account [F224 at a bank or with a building society], or a deposit receipt, at a bank, being an account or, as the case may be, a deposit receipt in the title of which the word “client”, “trustee”, “trust” or other fiduciary term appears, including—

  (a)

  an account or deposit receipt for a client whose name is specified in the title of the account on deposit receipt, and

  (b)

  an account such as is mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 35(1);

• “the Council” has the meaning given by section 3;

• “the Court” means the Court of Session;

• [F225 “the Director” means the Director General of Fair Trading;

• “foreign lawyer” means a person who is not a solicitor or an advocate but who is a member, and entitled to practise as such, of a legal profession regulated within a jurisdiction outwith Scotland;]

• . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F226

• “functions” includes powers and duties;

• [F227 “inadequate professional services” means professional services which are in any respect not of the quality which could reasonably be expected of a competent solicitor, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly; and references to the provision of inadequate professional services shall be construed as including references to not providing professional services which such a solicitor ought to have provided;]

• [F228 “incorporated practice” has the meaning given by section 34(1A)(c);]

• “judge” includes sheriff;

• [F229 “law centre” means a body—

(a) established for the purpose of providing legal services to the public generally as well as to individual members of the public; and

(b) which does not distribute any profits made either to its members or otherwise, but reinvests any such profits for the purposes of the law centre;]

• F230 . . .

• “Lord President” means the Lord President of the Court of Session;

• [F231 “multi-disciplinary practice” means a body corporate or a partnership—

(a) having as one of its directors or, as the case may be, partners, a solicitor or an incorporated practice; and

(b) which offers services, including professional services such as are provided by individual solicitors, to the public; and

(c) where that solicitor or incorporated practice carries out, or supervises the carrying out of, any such professional services as may lawfully be carried out only by a solicitor;

• “multi-national practice” means—

(a) a partnership whose members are solicitors or incorporated practices and registered foreign lawyers; or

(b) a body corporate whose members include registered foreign lawyers, and membership of which is restricted to solicitors, incorporated practices, registered foreign lawyers and other multi-national practices;]

• “notary public” means a notary public duly admitted in Scotland;

• “practice year” means the year ending on 31st October;

• “practising certificate” has the meaning given by section 4;

• “property” includes property, whether heritable or moveable, and rights and interests in, to or over such property;

• [F232 “registered foreign lawyer” means a foreign lawyer who is registered under section 60A;]

• “the roll” has the meaning given by section 7;

• “the Society” has the meaning given by section 1;

• [F233 “Scottish legal services ombudsman” means the ombudsman appointed under section 34 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990;]

• “solicitor” means any person enrolled or deemed to have been enrolled as a solicitor in pursuance of this Act;

• “the Tribunal” has the meaning given by section 50;

• “unqualified person” means a person [F234 , other than a multi-disciplinary practice,] who is not qualified under section 4 to act as a solicitor.

(2) Unless the context otherwise requires a reference—

(a) in any enactment to law agents includes solicitors;

(b) in any enactment to the register of law agents kept in pursuance of the M11 Law Agents (Scotland) Act 1873 includes the roll;

(c) in any enactment or instrument to the Solicitors Discipline (Scotland) Committee shall be construed as a reference to the Tribunal;

(d) in any enactment or instrument or other document to the General Council of Solicitors in Scotland shall be construed as a reference to the Council;

(e) in any enactment to a solicitor’s being entitled to practise in the Court, or in any other court, or to act in any matter, by reason of his being enrolled in, or of his having subscribed, the list of solicitors practising in that court, shall be construed as a reference to his being entitled so to practise or act be reason of his name being included in the appropriate list provided under section 20.

(3) In this Act references to any enactment shall, except in so far as the context otherwise requires, be construed as references to that enactment as amended, extended or applied by or under any other enactment, including any enactment contained in this Act.

(4) In this Act, except in so far as the context otherwise requires,—

(a) any reference to a numbered Part, section or Schedule is a reference to the Part or Section of, or the Schedule to, this Act so numbered;

(b) a reference in a section to a numbered subsection is a reference to the subsection of that section so numbered;

(c) a reference in a section, subsection or Schedule to a numbered or lettered paragraph is a reference to the paragraph of that section, subsection or Schedule so numbered or lettered; and

(d) a reference to any provision of an Act (including this Act) includes a reference to any Schedule incorporated in the Act by that provision.

Textual Amendments

F223 Definition inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(a)

F224 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 20(b)

F225 Definitions in s. 65(1) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(15)(a); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F226 Definition, which was inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 63:3), s. 25(c), now repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(2), Sch. 2

F227 Definition inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 5(1)

F228 Definition inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 33

F229 Definition inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(15)(b)

F230 Definition in s. 65(1) repealed (15.8.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch.9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 4, Sch. 2

F231 Definitions inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(15)(c)

F232 Definition inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(15)(d)

F233 Definition in s. 65(1) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(15)(e); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F234 Words inserted (prosp.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), ss. 74, 75(2), Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(15)(f)

Marginal Citations

M10 1986 c.53(16).

M11 1873 c.63.

66 Transitional and savings provisions, and repeals. S

(1) Schedule 6 (Transitional and savings provisions) shall have effect, but the provisions of that Schedule shall not be taken as prejudicing the operation of section 16 of the M12 Interpretation Act 1978 (general savings in respect of repeals).

(2) The enactments specified in Schedule 7 are hereby repealed to the extent shown in column 3 of that Schedule.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C35 The text of s. 66(2), Sch. 5 para. 10, Sch. 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and, except as specified, does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Marginal Citations

M12 1978 c.30.

67 Citation, extent and commencement. S

(1) This Act may be cited as the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980.

(2) This Act extends to Scotland only.

(3) This Act shall come into operation on the expiration of one month from the date on which it is passed.

SCHEDULES

Section 1.

SCHEDULE 1 S The Law Society of Scotland

Constitution and Proceedings S

1 S The Society shall be a body corporate with a common seal and may sue and be sued in its own name.

2 The Council shall prepare a scheme providing for—

(a) the constitution, election, and proceedings of the Council;

(b) the meetings of the Society;

(c) the appointment of a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and other officers and employees of the Society;

(d) the appointment and constitution of committees.

3 The scheme prepared under paragraph 2—

(a) may make provision enabling the Council to admit as honorary members of the Society persons who have ceased to be practising solicitors, no such honorary member being entitled to vote at meetings of the Society or liable to pay an annual subscription;

(b) shall make provision for the admission on application made in that behalf and on payment of the annual subscription as a member of the Society of any solicitor who by virtue of the provisions of section 24 is exempted from taking out a practising certificate;

(c) may contain such other provisions with respect to the administration, management and proceedings of the Society as are considered necessary or proper and are consistent with the provisions of this Act.

4 S A scheme prepared under paragraph 2 shall have effect on being approved by a resolution passed by a majority of the members present in person or by proxy at a general meeting of the Society, or at an adjournment of such meeting.

5 S The Society may by a resolution passed by a majority consisting of not less than two-thirds of the members of the Society present in person or by proxy at a meeting of the Society of which due notice specifying the intention to propose the resolution has been given, or at any adjournment of such meeting, rescind, add to or amend any of the provisions of the scheme so approved.

Revenue S

[F235 6 S Subject to paragraph 7, every member of the Society shall, for each year, pay to the Society such subscription as may be fixed from time to time by the Society in general meeting.]

Textual Amendments

F235 Paras. 6 and 6A substituted for para. 6 by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 7(a)

6A S The subscription payable under paragraph 6 by a practising member (or the proportion of it so payable, calculated by reference to the number of months remaining in the practice year) shall be paid at the time of submission of his application for a practising certificate.

7 S The. . . F236 subscription payable by a solicitor in respect of the year [F237 or part thereof] in which he is first included in the roll of solicitors and in respect of each of the two years immediately following shall be one half of the amount of the. . . F236 subscription fixed under paragraph 6 [F238 (reduced, in the case of a solicitor first included in the roll for only part of a year, in that year proportionately)].

Textual Amendments

F236 Word repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 7(b), Sch. 4

F237 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 7(b)

F238 Words added by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 7(b)

[F239 7A S The Society shall have power, subject to paragraphs 7B to 7D, to impose in respect of any year a special subscription on all members of the Society of such amount and payable at such time and for such specified purposes as it may determine.]

Textual Amendments

F239 Paras. 7A–7D inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 7(c)

7B S The Society may determine that an imposition under paragraph 7A shall not be payable by any category of member or shall be abated as respects any category of member.

7C S An imposition under paragraph 7A or a determination under that paragraph or paragraph 7B may be made only in general meeting.

7D S No imposition may be made under paragraph 7A above unless a majority of those members [F240 voting] at the general meeting at which it is proposed has, whether by proxy or otherwise, voted in favour of its being made.

Textual Amendments

F240 Word substituted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 21

8 S Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the expenses of the Society shall be defrayed out of the subscriptions and other income received by the Society or the Council and out of other property belonging to the Society.

In this paragraph “expenses of the Society” includes the expenses of the Tribunal so far as not otherwise defrayed and any expenses incurred by the Council in the exercise of their functions under this Act, and the reasonable travelling and maintenance expenses of members of the Council or committees of the Council incurred in attending meetings of the Council or committees, or otherwise incurred in the business of the Society.

9 S Paragraph 8 does not affect any trust constituted for a special purpose.

Powers S

10 S The Society may—

(a) purchase or otherwise acquire land for any of the purposes of this Act;

(b) sell, lease or otherwise dispose of land so acquired;

(c) borrow for any of the purposes of this Act in such manner and on such security as they may determine;

(d) invest any monies not immediately required to meet expenses and other outlays of the Society in any investment in which trustees in Scotland are by law authorised to invest (but nothing in this sub-paragraph prevents the investment of any monies forming any part of any property held in trust for a special purpose in any class of investment authorised by the deed constituting the trust);

(e) accept any gift of property for the purposes of the Society;

(f) accept, hold and administer any gift of property or hold as trustees any property for any purpose which the Society consider to be for the benefit of solicitors in Scotland or their dependants or employees or any substantial body of such solicitors or dependants or employees; and

(g) subject to the provisions of this Act exercise the functions formerly exercised by the General Council of Solicitors in Scotland.

11 S The Council may—

(a) act for and in the name of the Society in any matter other than a matter which in accordance with the provisions of this Schedule is to be determined by the Society in general meeting;

(b) without prejudice to any other powers they may have, take into consideration and make recommendations or representations with regard to any matters which are in their opinion of importance to solicitors in Scotland

[F241 Exemption from liability for damages S

Textual Amendments

F241 Sch. 1 para. 11A inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(16); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

F242 11A S Neither the Society nor any of its officers or servants shall be liable in damages for anything done or omitted in the discharge or purported discharge of its functions unless the act or omission is shown to have been in bad faith.]

Textual Amendments

F242 Sch. 1 para. 11A inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(16); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Attestation S

12 Any deed to which the Society are a party shall be held to be validly executed on behalf of the Society if it is sealed with the common seal of the Society and subscribed on behalf on the Society by two members of the Council and the secretary of the Society or other person appointed by the Council to act for the secretary without attestation by witnesses.

Section 11.

SCHEDULE 2 S The Roll: [F243 Powers of the Council] and Ancillary Provisions

Textual Amendments

F243 Words substituted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 22(a)

1 S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F244 the Council (as registrar of solicitors) for the purpose of maintaining the roll as correctly as is reasonably practicable [F245 shall have power]—

(a) to remove from the roll the name of any solicitor who has died;

(b) to send to any solicitor at his address as shown in the roll a letter enquiring whether he wishes to continue to have his name included in the roll and intimating that if no reply is made within the period of 6 months beginning with the date of the posting of the letter his name may be removed from the roll;

(c) to send any solicitor on the roll who has for at least 3 years been so enrolled in pursuance of regulations made by the Council under section 5 on an undertaking by him to serve a post qualifying year for practical training which the Council are not satisfied that he has implemented, a letter enquiring whether he intends to fufil that undertaking and intimating that unless a reply which the Council regard as satisfactory is received within the period of 6 months beginning with the date of the posting of the letter his named may be removed from the roll; and

(d) if a reply indicating that he does not wish that his name shall continue to be included in the roll is returned by any solicitor to whom a letter has been so sent, or if no reply or in a case of a letter sent under subparagraph (c) a reply which the Council do not regard as satisfactory is returned within the period mentioned in subparagraph (b) or (c), as the case may be, by any such solicitor, to remove the name of that solicitor from the roll.

Textual Amendments

F244 Words repealed by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1)(2), Sch. 1 para. 22(a), Sch. 2

F245 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 22(a)

2 S The Council may, on the application of a solicitor whose name has been removed from the roll in pursuance of paragraph 1(d), and on payment by him to the Council of such reasonable fee in respect of restoration as the Council may fix, order that his name shall be restored to the roll.

3 S Any person aggrieved by a decision of the Council under paragraph 2 may appeal against the decision to the Court, and the provisions of section 40(3) shall, subject to any necessary modifications, apply to any such appeal.

[F246 4 S Subject to section 7(3), the Council may charge such reasonable fees (including an annual fee payable by enrolled solicitors) as they may fix in connection with the keeping of the roll.]

Textual Amendments

F246 Sch. 2 para. 4 added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 22(b)

Section 43.

SCHEDULE 3 S

PART 1 S The Scottish Solicitors Guarantee Fund

Contributions by Solicitors S

1 (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, there shall be paid to the Society on behalf of the Guarantee Fund by every solicitor in respect of each year during which, or part of which, he is in practice as a solicitor, along with his application for a practising certificate, a contribution (hereafter referred to as an “annual contribution”). . . F247 S

(2) The sum payable by a solicitor in respect of the year in which he first commences to practise after admission and in respect of each of the 2 years immediately following shall be one half of the annual contribution.

[F248 (2A) Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) do not apply to solicitors who are directors of incorporated practices.

(2B) Subject to the provisions of this Act, there shall be paid to the Society on behalf of the Guarantee Fund by every incorporated practice in respect of each year during which, or part of which, it is recognised under section 34(1A) a contribution (hereafter referred to as an “annual corporate contribution”) in accordance with the scale of such contributions refered to in sub-paragraph (3).]

(3) The Council shall not later than [F249 30 September] in each year fix the amount, if any, of the annual contribution to be paid in respect of the following year [F250 and the scale of the annual corporate contributions to be so paid, which scale shall be fixed by reference to factors which shall include the number of solicitors who are directors or employees of each of the incorporated practices to which the scale relates.]

(4) No annual contribution shall be payable by a solicitor [F250 and no annual corporate contribution by an incorporated practice] so long as the amount of the Guarantee Fund including the value of all investments forming part of the Fund and after providing for all outstanding liabilities, is in the opinion of the Council not less than £250,000 or such other sum as the Council may from time to time determine.

(5) If at any time the Council are of the opinion that the liabilities of the Guarantee Fund render it expedient in order to secure the financial stability of the Fund, the Council may, by resolution of which not less than 10 days’ previous notice in writing has been given to each member of the Council impose upon every solicitor a contribution (hereafter referred to as a “special contribution”) of the amount specified in the resolution, and [F251 upon every incorporated practice a contribution (hereafter referred to as a “special corporate contribution”) in accordance with a scale of such contributions fixed by the Council as under sub-paragraph (3), and a special or special corporate] contribution shall be payable to the Society in one sum or, if the Council so determine, by instalments on or before such date or dates as may be specified in the resolution.

(6) No special contribution shall be payable by a solicitor in the year in which he first commences to practise after admission nor in either of the 2 years immediately following.

(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F252

(8) No annual contribution and no special contribution shall be payable by any solicitor who is in the employment of another solicitor or of a firm of solicitors [F250 or of an incorporated practice] and who does not engage in practice as a solicitor on his own account.

(9) Without prejudice to any other method of recovering contributions payable to the Society under this Schedule whether annual or special a practising certificate shall not be issued to a solicitor except on production of evidence of payment of the contributions (if any) due by him to the Fund on or before the issue of the certificate.

(10) In this schedule the expression “year” means the period of 12 months commencing on 1 November or such other day as may be fixed by the Council.

Textual Amendments

F247 Words repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 8(a), Sch. 4

F248 Sub-paras. (2A) and (2B) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 34(a)

F249 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 8(b)

F250 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 34(a)

F251 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 34(a)

F252 Para 1(7) repealed by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. II para. 8(c), Sch. 4

[F253 Contributions by registered European lawyers S

Textual Amendments

F253 Sch. 3 para. 1A and cross-heading inserted (22.5.2000) by The European Communities (Lawyer's Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (S.S.I. 2000/121), regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(13)

1A (1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, paragraph (1) above shall apply to registered European lawyers as it applies to solicitors and references to a practising certificate shall include references to a registered European lawyer’s registration certificate. S

(2) Where a registered European lawyer can prove that–

(a) he is covered by a guarantee provided in accordance with the professional rules of his home State; and

(b) the guarantee is equivalent in terms of the conditions and the extent of its cover to the Guarantee Fund,

then to the extent that there is such equivalence that lawyer shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraph (1).

(3) Where the equivalence under sub paragraph (2) is only partial, the Society may specify the guarantee obligations a registered European lawyer is required to meet to comply with paragraph (1).

(4) Subparagraphs (2), (6) and (8) of paragraph (1) shall not apply.

(5) For the purposes of this paragraph the words “home State" have the same meaning as provided for in regulation 2 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000.]

[F254 Contributions by registered foreign lawyers S

Textual Amendments

F254 Sch. 3 para. 1B and cross-heading inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 12}

1B (1) Subject to the provisions of this paragraph, paragraph 1 above shall apply to registered foreign lawyers as it applies to solicitors and in that paragraph as so applied references to a practising certificate shall be construed as references to a registered foreign lawyer’s registration certificate. S

(2) Where a registered foreign lawyer can prove that–

(a) he is covered by a guarantee provided in accordance with the rules of the legal profession of which he is a member; and

(b) the guarantee is equivalent in terms of the conditions and the extent of its cover to the Guarantee Fund,

then to the extent that there is such equivalence that lawyer shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraph 1.

(3) Where the equivalence referred to in sub paragraph (2) is only partial, the Society may specify the guarantee obligations a registered foreign lawyer is required to meet to comply with paragraph 1.

(4) The Council may, where it is satisfied that any acts or defaults on the part of a registered foreign lawyer would not result in a grant being made from the Guarantee Fund held under section 43, exempt that lawyer from the requirements of paragraph 1.

(5) Sub paragraphs (2), (6) and (8) of paragraph 1 shall not apply to registered foreign lawyers.]

Investment etc. S

2 (1) Monies not immediately required to meet sums payable out of the Guarantee Fund may be invested by the Society in any investments in which trustees in Scotland are by law authorised to invest.

(2) The Society may borrow money for the purposes of the Guarantee Fund in such manner and on such security as they may determine but the total sum due at any time in respect of any such loans shall not exceed £20,000.

(3) The accounts of the Guarantee Fund shall be made up annually for the year ending 31 October or on such other day as may be fixed by the Council and shall be audited by an auditor appointed by the Society.

(4) As soon as the audit is completed the audited accounts and the auditor’s report on the accounts shall be submitted to the Council and a copy of the audited accounts and the auditor’s report shall be sent to the Lord Advocate and to every solicitor who is contributing to the Fund.

(5) All investments and other monies forming part of the Guarantee Fund and the books and accounts relating to that Fund shall be kept separate from the other investments and monies, books and accounts of the Society, and the investments and other monies forming part of the Guarantee Fund shall not be liable for any obligations, debts or liabilities incurred by the Society or the Council in relation to any business of the Society other than the business of the Guarantee Fund, nor shall the investments and other monies of the Society held for the purposes other than those relating to the Guarantee Fund be liable for any obligations, debts or liabilities incurred by the Society or the Council in relation to the Guarantee Fund.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C36 Sch. 3 para. 2: transfer of functions (19.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/678, art. 2(1),Sch.

Insurance S

3 (1) The society may enter into a contract of insurance with any person, body of persons or corporation authorised by law to carry on insurance business for guaranteeing the sufficiency of the Guarantee Fund or for any other purpose in relation to the Fund. S

(2) Any such contract of insurance may be entered into in relation to solicitors [F255 and incorporated practices] generally or in relation to any solicitor or solicitors [F255 or incorporated practice or practices] named therein.

(3) No person other than the Society shall have any right of action against a person, body or corporation with whom any such contract of insurance was entered into or have any right to any monies payable under that contract.

Textual Amendments

F255 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 34(b)

Grants S

4 (1) Every application for a grant from the Guarantee Fund shall be in such form as may be prescribed by rules made under this Schedule and shall be accompanied, if so required, by the Council by a statutory declaration and the applicant shall produce to the Council such documents and other evidence as they demand. S

(2) The Council may, as a condition of making a grant out of the Guarantee Fund, require the person to whom the grant is made to assign to the Society at the expense of the Society any rights and remedies competent to him against the solicitor in question, his partner or employee [F256 or the incorporated practice in question or its employee] or any other person in respoect of the loss.

(3) A grant from the Guarantee Fund may at the descretion of the Council be paid in one sum or in such instalments as the Council may determine.

(4) The Council may make rules with regard to the procedure to be followed in giving effect to the provisions of this Act relating to the Guarantee Fund, including matters to be prescribed thereunder, and also with respect to any matters incidental, ancilliary or supplemental to those provisions or concerning the administration, management or protection of the Guarantee Fund.

Textual Amendments

F256 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 34(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37 Sch. 3 para. 4(1)(4) modified (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 14}

Part II S

Power of Council to investigate S

5 (1) If under section 38 any person (whether a solicitor or not) having possession or control of any documents mentioned in that section refuses or fails to produce or deliver them immediately on being required by the Council to do so or to cause them to be so produced or delivered, the Council may apply to the Court for an order requiring that person to produce or deliver the documents or to cause them to be produced or delivered to the person appointed at the place fixed by the Council within such time as Court may order.

(2) Upon taking possession of any such documents which have been produced or delivered to the Council, the Council shall serve upon the solicitor [F257 or incorporated practice] mentioned in section 38, and every such person, a notice giving particulars and the date on which they took possession.

(3) Every requirement made or notice given under section 38 or under this Part of this Schedule shall be in writing under the hand of such person as may be appointed by the Council for the purpose and may be served either personally or by registered letter or by letter sent by recorded delivery service addressed to the last known place of business or residence of the person to whom the requirement is made or notice given.

(4) Within 14 days after service of a notice under sub-paragraph (2) the person upon whom such notice has been served may apply to the Court for an order directing the Council to return such documents to the person from whom they were received by the Council or to such other person as the applicant may request and on the hearing of any such application the Court may make the order applied for or such other order as they think fit.

(5) If no application is made to the Court under sub-paragraph (4) or if the Court on any such application directs that the documents in question remain in the custody or control of the Council, the Council may make enquiries to ascertain the person to whom they belong and may deal with the documents in accordance with the directions of that person.

Textual Amendments

F257 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 34(d)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38 Sch. 3 para. 5 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Sections 50, 52.

SCHEDULE 4 S Constitution, Procedure and Powers of Tribunal

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C39 Sch. 4 applied (with modifications) (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 13}

Part I S

Constitution S

1 The Tribunal shall consist of—

(a) not less than [F258 10] and not more than [F258 14] members (in this Part referred to as “solicitor members”) who are solicitors recommended by the Council as representatives of the solicitors’ profession throughout Scotland, and [F259 appointed by the Lord President;]

(b) [F260 8] members (in this Part referred to as “lay members”) who are neither solicitors nor advocates, [F261 appointed by the Lord President after consultation with the Secretary of State.]

F262 . . .

Textual Amendments

F258 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 36:3), s. 24(b)(i)

F259 Words in Sch. 4 para. 1(a) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(a)(i); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F260 Figure in Sch. 4 para. 1(b) substituted (3.6.1991) by virtue of Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(a)(ii); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F261 Words in Sch. 4 para. 1(b) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(a)(iii); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1.

F262 Words following Sch. 4 para. 1(b) repealed (3.6.1991.) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74,Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(a)(iv), Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch. 1

Valid from 23/11/2007

[F263 1A S The Tribunal shall consist of equal numbers of—

(a) members (in this Part referred to as “solicitor members”) appointed by the Lord President, who are solicitors recommended by the Council as representatives of the solicitors' profession throughout Scotland; and

(b) members (in this Part referred to as “non-lawyer members”) appointed by the Lord President after consultation with the Scottish Ministers, who are not—

(i) solicitors;

(ii) advocates;

(iii) conveyancing practitioners or executry practitioners, within the meaning of section 23 of the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40) (“the 1990 Act”);

(iv) persons exercising a right to conduct litigation or a right of audience acquired by virtue of section 27 of the 1990 Act.

Textual Amendments

F263 Sch. 4 paras. 1-1D substituted (23.11.2007) for Sch. 4 para. 1 by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 58(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2007/497, art. 2

Valid from 23/11/2007

1B S The validity of any proceedings of the Tribunal is not affected by a vacancy in membership of the Tribunal nor by any defect in the appointment of a member.

Textual Amendments

F263 Sch. 4 paras. 1-1D substituted (23.11.2007) for Sch. 4 para. 1 by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 58(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2007/497, art. 2

Valid from 23/11/2007

1C S The Scottish Ministers may by order made by statutory instrument amend paragraph 1 so as to vary the maximum number of members of the Tribunal.

Textual Amendments

F263 Sch. 4 paras. 1-1D substituted (23.11.2007) for Sch. 4 para. 1 by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 58(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2007/497, art. 2

Valid from 23/11/2007

1D S A statutory instrument containing an order made under paragraph 1C is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Scottish Parliament.]

Textual Amendments

F263 Sch. 4 paras. 1-1D substituted (23.11.2007) for Sch. 4 para. 1 by Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 5), ss. 58(2), 82 (with s. 77); S.S.I. 2007/497, art. 2

2 Each member of the Tribunal shall retire from office on the expiry of 5 years from the date of his appointment, but [F264 in the case—

(a) of a lay member, may be re-appointed by the Lord President [F265 after consultation with the Secretary of State]; and

(b) of a solicitor member, may be [F266 re-appointed by the Lord President] on the recommendation of the Council.]

Textual Amendments

F264 Words substituted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 55, SIF 36:3), s. 24(b)(ii)

F265 Words in Sch. 4 para. 2(a) inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(b)(i); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F266 Words in Sch. 4 para. 2(b) substituted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(b)(ii); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

3 The Lord President may from time to time terminate the appointment of any member of the Tribunal, and may fill any vacany therein by the appointment of a solicitor recommended by the Council or, as the case may be, [F267 after consultation with the Secretary of State,] by the appointment of a lay member.

Textual Amendments

F267 Words in Sch. 4 para. 3 inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(c); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

4 S The Tribunal may appoint one of their number to be chairman, and may also appoint a clerk, who shall not be a member of the Tribunal, and, subject to the provisions of this Act, may regulate their procedure in such way as they may think fit.

5 The Tribunal shall be deemed to be properly constituted if—

(a) at least 4 members are present, and

(b) at least 1 lay member is present, and

(c) the number of solicitor members present exceeds the number of lay members present. [F268 and

(d) there are present not more than 3 solicitor members for every lay member.]

Textual Amendments

F268 Sch. 4 Pt. I para. 5(d) and word “and” immediately preceding it added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(a)

6 There shall be paid to the lay members of the Tribunal out of money provided by Parliament such fees and allowances as the Secretary of State may, with the approval of the Minister for the Civil Service, determine.

Part II S Procedure and Powers of Tribunal

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C40 Sch. 4 Pt. II (paras. 7–22) applied by Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 1986 (c. 47, SIF 77:2), ss. 31(10), 45, Sch. 4 para. 2

Complaints S

7 S The making of a complaint to the Tribunal or the giving of any information in connection with a complaint shall confer qualified privilege.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

8 S A complaint made to the Tribunal shall not be withdrawn except with the Tribunal’s leave and subject to such conditions with respect to expenses or otherwise as the Tribunal thinks fit.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C42 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

[F269 8A Where a complaint is made to the Tribunal by a person other than—

(a) the Council; or

(b) a person mentioned in section 51(3),

the Tribunal may remit the complaint to the Council.]

Textual Amendments

F269 Sch. 4 para. 8A inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C43 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2

9 Subject to Part IV, the Tribunal may dismiss a complaint against a solicitor [F270 or an incorporated practice]—

(a) without requiring the solicitor [F270 or the incorporated practice] to answer the allegations made against him [F270 or, as the case may be, it] or without holding any enquiry if—

(i) they are of the opinion that the complaint discloses no prima facie case of professional misconduct on the part of the solicitor [F270 or, of failure on the part of the incorporated practice to comply with any provision of this Act or of rules made under this Act][F271 or, as the case may be, of provision of inadequate professional services]; or

(ii) the complainer fails to comply with any rule made under section 52; or

(b) without hearing parties if they are of the opinion upon consideration of the complaint and other documents that they disclose no case of professional misconduct on the part of the solicitor [F270 or, of failure on the part of the incorporated practice to comply with any provision of this Act or of rules made under this Act][F271 or, as the case may be, of provision of inadequate professional services].

Textual Amendments

F270 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 35(a)

F271 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(c)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C44 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

10 S The Tribunal shall give notice of the complaint to the solicitor [F272 or incorporated practice] against whom the complaint is made (“the respondent”) and shall enquire into the complaint, giving him [F272 or, as the case may be, it] reasonable opportunity of making his [F272 or, as the case may be, its] defence.

Textual Amendments

F272 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 35(b)

11 S For the purpose of enquiring into the complaint the Tribunal may administer oaths and receive affirmations; and the complainer and respondent shall each be entitled—

(a) to require the evidence of parties, witnesses and others interested, and

(b) to call for and recover such evidence and documents, and examine such witnesses, as they think proper, but no person shall be compelled to produce any document which he could not be compelled to produce in an action.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C45 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

12 S On a petition by the complainer or the respondent to the Court, or to the sheriff having jurisdiction in any place in which the respondent carries on business, the Court or, as the case may be, the sheriff, on production of copies (certified by the Clerk of the Tribunal) of the complaint and answers, if lodged, together with a statement signed by the clerk specifying the place and date of the hearing of the complaint and certifying that notice to that effect has been given to the complainer and to the respondent, and on being satisfied that it would be proper to compel the giving of evidence by any witness or the production of documents by any haver, may—

(a) grant warrant for the citation of witnesses and havers to give evidence or to produce documents before the Tribunal, and for the issue of letters of second diligence against any witness or haver failing to appear after due citation;

(b) grant warrant for the recovery of documents; and

(c) appoint commissioners to take the evidence of witnesses, to examine havers, and to receive exhibits and productions.

Decisions S

13 S The Tribunal shall set out in their decision—

(a) in the case of a complaint, the facts proved, and

(b) in the case of a conviction, particulars of the conviction and sentence.

and shall in the case of a complaint add to their decision a note stating the grounds on which the decision has been arrived at.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C46 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

14 S Every decision on the Tribunal shall be signed by the chairman or other person presiding and [F273 shall, subject to paragraph 14A, be published in full].

Textual Amendments

F273 Words in Sch. 4 para. 14 substituted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(d); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C47 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

[F274 14A S In carrying out their duty under paragraph 14, the Tribunal may refrain from publishing any names, places or other facts the publication of which would, in their opinion, damage, or be likely to damage, the interests of persons other than—

(a) the solicitor against whom the complaint was made; or

(b) his partners; or

(c) his or their families,

but where they so refrain they shall publish their reasons for so doing.]

Textual Amendments

F274 Sch. 4 para. 14A inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(e); S. I 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C48 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

15 A copy of every decision by the Tribunal certified by the clerk shall be sent forthwith by the clerk to the respondent and to the complainer intimating the right of appeal available from that decision under this Act.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C49 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

16 In the case of a decision by the Tribunal—

(a) ordering a solicitor to be struck off the roll; or

(b) ordering a solicitor to be suspended from practice; or

(c) censuring a solicitor [F275 or an incorporated practice]; or

(d) fining a solicitor [F275 or an incorporated practice], [F276 or

(e) order that the recognition under section 34(1A) of an incorporated practice be revoked][F277 ; or

(f) containing a direction under section 53A or an order under section 53C(2); or

(g) confirming or varying a determination or direction of the Council on an appeal under section 42A(7); or

(h) ordering that an investment business certificate issued to a solicitor, a firm of solicitors or an incorporated practice be—

(i) suspended; or

(ii) subject to such terms and conditions as they may direct; or

(iii) revoked,]

on the expiration of the days of appeal [F278 (if any)] without an appeal being lodged or, where an appeal has been lodged, if and as soon as the appeal is withdrawn or a decision by the Court is given in terms of subparagraphs (a) to [F279 (h)] or in the case of a decision of the Tribunal under section 53(6) [F280 or (6B)] which has not been varied or quashed by the Court [F275 or under section 53(6A) which has not been varied by the court], the clerk of the Tribunal shall immediately send to the Council a copy of the decision of the Tribunal certified by him and a copy of the decision by the Court in any appeal, and the Council shall forthwith give effect to any order as to striking the solicitor off the roll and to any terms and conditions directed by the Tribunal under section 53(5); and in any other case shall cause a note of the effect of the decision to be entered against the name of the solicitor in the roll [F281 or as revoking the recognition under section 34(1A) of an incorporated practice].

Textual Amendments

F275 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 35(c)

F276 Word “or” and para. 16(1)(e) inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 35(c)

F277 Sch. 4 para. 16(f)–(h) and word “; or” inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(d)

F278 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(d)(ii)

F279 “(h)” substituted by virtue of Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(d)(iii)

F280 Words inserted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(d)(iv)

F281 Words inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 35(c)

17 S The Council shall forthwith intimate any order striking a solicitor off the roll or suspending a solicitor from practice to each sheriff clerk and F282 . . ., to the Principal Clerk of Session, and shall [F283 , without prejudice to paragraph 14,] cause a notice of the operative part of the order to be published in the Edinburgh Gazette F284 [ . . .]

Textual Amendments

F282 Words in Sch. 4 para. 17 repealed (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(f)(i), Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F283 Words in Sch. 4 para. 17 inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(f)(ii); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

F284 Words in Sch. 4 para. 17 repealed (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(f)(iii), Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

18 S The file of orders under this Act striking solicitors off the roll, suspending solicitors from practice, or restoring persons to the roll shall be open for inspection at the office of the Society at any reasonable hour by any person without payment of any fee.

[F285 18A S Without prejudice to paragraph 18, the Council shall ensure that a copy of every decision published under paragraph 14 is open for inspection at the office of the Society during office hours by any person without payment of any fee.]

Textual Amendments

F285 Sch. 4 para. 18A inserted (3.6.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(17)(g); S.I. 1991/1252, art. 3, Sch.1

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C50 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

Expenses S

19 S Subject to the provisions of Part IV, the Tribunal may make in relation to any complaint against a solicitor such order as it thinks fit as to the payment by the complainer or by the respondent of the expenses incurred by the other party and by the Tribunal or a reasonable contribution towards those expenses.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C51 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

20 S On the application of the person in whose favour an order for expenses under paragraph 19 is made and on production of a certificate by the clerk of the Tribunal that the days of appeal against the order have expired without an appeal being lodged or, where such an appeal has been lodged, that the appeal has been dismissed or withdrawn, the Court may grant warrant authorising that person to recover those expenses from the person against whom the order was made.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C52 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

21 S Such warrant shall have effect for execution and for all other purposes as if it were an extracted decree of court awarded against the person against whom the order of the Tribunal was made.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C53 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

22 S The expenses of the Tribunal so far as not otherwise defrayed shall be paid by the Society as part of the expenses of the Society.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C54 Sch. 4 paras. 7-9, 11, 13-15, 18A-22 applied (with modifications) (15.8.2003) by 1990 c. 49, s. 21B(1)(2) (as inserted by Public Appointments and Public Bodies etc. (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 4), ss. 17, 21(2)(3), Sch. 4 para. 12(9); S.S.I. 2003/384, art. 2)

[F286 Appeals S

Textual Amendments

F286 Sch. 4 paras. 23–25 added by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 23(e)

23 The foregoing provisions of Part II of this Schedule shall apply in relation to an appeal to the Tribunal under section 42A(7) or section 53D(1) as they apply in relation to a complaint, but with the following modifications—

(a) for references to a complaint there shall be substituted references to an appeal;

(b) for references to the respondent there shall be substituted references to the appellant;

(c) paragraphs 8A, 9 and 10 shall not apply; and

(d) in paragraph 19 the words “against a solicitor” shall be omitted.

24 S Subject to Part IV, the Tribunal may dismiss an appeal without holding an inquiry if—

(a) they are of the opinion that the appeal is manifestly ill-founded; or

(b) the appellant fails to comply with any rule made under section 52.]

25 The Tribunal shall give notice of the appeal to the person by whom the original complaint was made (referred to in this Schedule as ’’the complainer’’) and to the Council and shall enquire into the matter, giving the appellant and the complainer reasonable opportunity to make representations to the Tribunal.

[F287 SCHEDULE 5] S

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F287 Sch. 5 repealed (15.8.1991) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74(2), Sch. 9; S.I. 1991/1252, art. 4, Sch.2

Section 66.

SCHEDULE 6 S Transitional and Savings Provisions

General S

1 (1) Insofar as— S

any agreement, appointment, operation, authorisation, determination, scheme, instrument, order or regulation made by virtue of an enactment repealed by this Act, or

(b) any approval, consent, direction or notice given by virtue of such an enactment, or

(c) any complaint made or investigation begun by virtue of such enactment, or

(d) any other proceedings begun by virtue of such an enactment, or

(e) anything done or having effect as if done,

could, if a corresponding enactment in this Act were in force at the relevant time, have been made, given, begun or done by virtue of the corresponding enactment, it shall, if effective immediately before the corresponding enactment comes into force, continue to have effect thereafter as if made, given, begun or done by virtue of that corresponding enactment.

(2) Where—

(a) there is any reference in this Act (whether expressed or implied) to a thing done or required or authorised to be done, or a thing omitted, or to an event which has occurred, under or for the purposes of or by reference to or in contravention of this Act, then

(b) that reference shall be construed (subject to its context) as including a reference to the corresponding thing, done or required or authorised to be done, or omitted, or to the corresponding events which occurred, as the case may be, under or for the purposes of or by reference to or in contravention of any of the corresponding provisions of the repealed enactments.

2 S Where any enactment passed before this Act or any instrument of document refers either expressly or by implication to an enactment repealed by this Act, the reference shall (subject to its context) be construed as or as including a reference to the corresponding provision of this Act.

3 S Where any period of time specified in an enactment repealed by this Act is current at the commencment of this Act, this Act has effect as if its corresponding provision has been in force when the period began to run.

Admission of enrolled law agent S

4 S Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of section 15 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1933, the Court may grant an application to be admitted as a solicitor to any applicant who was on 28th June 1933 entitled to be admitted as an enrolled law agent according to the regulations for admission then in force under the M13 Law Agents (Scotland) Act 1873.

Marginal Citations

M13 1873 c. 63.

Restriction of grant under Guarantee Fund S

5 S Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of section 22(2)(b) of the M14 Legal Aid and Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1949, no grant shall be made by the Council under section 43 in respect of a loss which in the opinion of the Council arose before 1st November 1951.

Marginal Citations

M14 1949 c. 63.

Rights of banks S

6 S Nothing in section 61(3) shall deprive a bank of any right existing on 1st November 1949.

Admission to societies S

7 S Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of sections 44 and 45 of the M15 Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1933 any society may—

(a) admit a solicitor as a member on such conditions as it thinks fit;

(b) accept as a qualification for admission an apprenticeship served under the provisions of this Act with a solicitor who is not a member.

Marginal Citations

M15 1933 c. 21.

Powers of societies S

8 S The repeal of Section 35 of the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1933 is without prejudice to powers of control exercisable by any society over its members, being powers the society were entitled to exercise immediately before 1st March 1934.

In this paragraph and in paragraph 7, “society” means a faculty or society of solicitors in Scotland, incorporated by Royal Charter or otherwise formed in accordance with law, other than the Law Society of Scotland.

Saving for non-qualified person to conduct certain proceedings S

9 S Nothing in this Act shall affect any enactment empowering any person, not being a person qualified to act as a solicitor, to conduct, defend or otherwise act in relation to any [F288 action or proceedings in any court].

Textual Amendments

F288 Words substituted by Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1988 (c. 42, SIF 76:2), s. 6(1), Sch. 1 para. 24

Register of Law Agents S

10 S Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of section 18(1) of the M16 Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1933, the Council shall continue to keep in their custody the Register of Law Agents kept under the M17 Law Agents (Scotland) Act 1873 and any relative documents transferred to their custody by virtue of section 18(4) of the M18 Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1949.

Marginal Citations

M16 1933 c. 21.

M17 1873 c. 63.

M18 1949 c. 63.

Certificate of admission S

11 S Notwithstanding the repeal by this Act of section 14 of the M19 Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1933, the certificate of admission of a solicitor shall be in writing and signed by a judge of the Court.

Marginal Citations

M19 1933 c. 21.

Section 66.

SCHEDULE 7 S Repeals

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C56 The text of s. 66(2), Sch. 5 para. 10, Sch. 7 is in the form in which it was originally enacted: it was not reproduced in Statutes in Force and, except as specified, does not reflect any amendments or repeals which may have been made prior to 1.2.1991.

Chapter	Short title	Extent of repeal
23 & 24 Geo. 5. c. 21.	The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1933.	The whole Act.
24 & 25 Geo. 5. c. 45.	The Solicitors Act 1934.	The whole Act.
12 & 13 Geo. 6. c. 63.	The Legal Aid and Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1949.	Part II and Schedules 4 to 7 except section 25(1), (1A), (3), (4), (5).
6 & 7 Eliz. 2. c. 28.	The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1958.	The whole Act.
1965 c. 29.	The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1965.	The whole Act.
1976 c. 6.	The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1976.	The whole Act except section 9.