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Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980

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Part IS Organisation

The Law Society of ScotlandS

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 [F1and sections 16 to 23 (which relate to the provision of conveyancing and executry services) of the 1990 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.

Textual Amendments

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 SocietyS

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 [F2and sections 16 to 23 of the 1990 Act].

Textual Amendments

[F33ADischarge of functions of Council of the Law SocietyS

(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

Part IIS Right to Practise as a Solicitor

Qualifications and TrainingS

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.

AdmissionS

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. . . F4

(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.

[F5(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.

[F6(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 M1Colonial 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

F4Words 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

F6S. 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

The RollS

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.

[F7(4)Schedule 2 (powers of Council in relation to roll of solicitors) shall have effect.]

Textual Amendments

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 [F8, 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 [F9on 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 [F10or, as the case may be, the annotation against his name,] from the roll.

Textual Amendments

10 Restoration of name to roll on request.S

(1)A solicitor. . . F11 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.

[F12(1A)On an application to the Council from a solicitor whose name [F13, 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 [F14or, 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

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). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F15

Textual Amendments

12. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F16S

Textual Amendments

[F17 Register of European lawyersF17S

Textual Amendments

F1712A Keeping the registerS

(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.

F1812B Information to be provided by registered European lawyersS

(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

F1912C Removal of name from register on requestS

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

F2012D Restoration of name to register on requestS

(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

Practising CertificatesS

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). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F21

(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 [F22; 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

F21S. 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

F22S. 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

[F23(a)]section 15 has effect and the Council refuse or neglect to issue a practising certificate, the applicant [F24;

(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

F23 “(a)” inserted by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions)(Scotland) Act 1985 (c. 73, SIF 76:2), s. 56, Sch. 1 Pt. I para. 1(a)

F24S. 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 [F25M2Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984], a solicitor is, by reason of mental disorder, admitted to a hospital and becomes liable to be detained there F26. . .;

[F27(b)a guardian is appointed to a solicitor under the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 (asp 4);]

(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.

[F28(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. . . F29 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.

[F30(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

Marginal Citations

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). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F31

(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.

[F32(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

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; F33 . . .

[F34(ab)to the Principal Clerk of Session;]

(b)to each sheriff clerk;

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

[F35(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

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

[F36(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,

[F37(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

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.

[F3823A Professional misconduct for registered European lawyer to practise without a registration certificateS

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

[F3923B

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

F39S. 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.

[F40Registration certificates for registered European LawyersS

Textual Amendments

F40Cross-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)

F4124A Applications for registration certificatesS

(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

F4224B Issue of registration certificatesS

(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

F4324C Discretion of Council in special casesS

(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

F4424D Appeals from decisions of CouncilS

(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

F4524E Date and expiry of registration certificateS

(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

F4624F Suspension of registration certificateS

(1)If–

(a)in pursuance of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 F47 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

F4824G Further provisions relating to suspension of registration certificateS

(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

Rights of SolicitorsS

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.

[F4925A 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)[F50Subject to regulations 6 and 11 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000 and]without prejudice to [F51section 103(8) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (right of solicitor to appear before single judge)] 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 [F52and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council]; 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 [F52and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council].

(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

F50Words in s. 25A inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1),37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(5)

F51Words in s. 25A(1) substituted (1.4.1996) by 1995 c. 40, s. 5, Sch. 4 para. 31

Restriction on rights of practisingS

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

(1)Any solicitor to whom this subsection applies who [F53or 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 [F53or, as the case may be, its] name to be made use of in any way in any such action or proceedings; or

(c)[F54subject to subsection (4),] draws or prepares any writ to which section 32 applies, or

(d)[F55subject to subsection (4),] permits or suffers his [F53or, 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 [F56, registered foreign lawyer][F57or registered European lawyer pursuing professional activities within the meaning of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000], not being a solicitor [F56, registered foreign lawyer][F57or registered European lawyer pursuing professional activities within the meaning of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000]who is employed full-time on a fixed salary by a body corporate [F58or employed by a law centre.]

(3)In this section “person” includes a body corporate [F59but “unqualified person” does not include an incorporated practice][F60, registered foreign lawyer, multi national practice][F61or a registered European lawyer pursuing professional activities within the meaning of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000].

[F62(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

F54Words inserted in s. 26(1)(a) (1.3.1997 for all purposes except in relation to a recognised financial institution) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(5)(a); S.I. 1966/2894, art. 3, Sch. as amended by S.I. 1996/2966, art. 2

F55Words inserted in s. 26(1)(d) (1.3.1997 for all purposes except in relation to a recognised financial institution) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(5)(b); S.I. 1996/2894, art. 3, Sch. as amended by S.I. 1996/2966, art. 2

F56Words in s. 26(2) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 4}

F60Words in s. 26(3) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 4}

F62S. 26(4) inserted (1.3.1997 for all purposes except in relation to a recognised financial institution) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(5)(d); S.I. 1996/2894, art. 3, Sch. as amended by S.I. 1996/2966, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1S. 26 amended (17.5.2004) by S.I. 1978/1910, art. 18(2), Sch. Pt. 3 (as amended by The European Communities (Services of Lawyers) Amendment (Scotland) Order (S.S.I. 2004/186), {art. 7(c))}

F6327. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.K.

Textual Amendments

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 [F64; or

(c)has had his registration as a registered European lawyer withdrawn; or

(d)has been suspended from practice as a registered European lawyer][F65; or

(e)has had his registration as a registered foreign lawyer withdrawn; or

(f)has been suspended from practice as a registered foreign lawyer,]

and while so disqualified from practice seeks or accepts employment by a solicitor in connection with that solicitors practice [F66or by an incorporated practice][F67or multi-national practice] without previously informing him [F68or, as the case may be, it] that he is so disqualified, shall be guilty of an offence.

Textual Amendments

F64S. 28(c)(d) and the preceding word “or” inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(7)

F65S. 28(e)(f) and preceding word inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 5}

F67Words in s. 28 inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 5}

F6929. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

Textual Amendments

F69S. 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 [F70or an incorporated practice], authorised by and acting for a client employs another solicitor [F71or incorporated practice] he [F72or, as the case may be, it] shall (whether or not he [F72or, as the case may be, it] discloses the client) be liable to the other solicitor [F71or incorporated practice] for that other solicitor’s [F73or incorporated practice’s] fees and outlays, unless at the time of the employment he [F72or, as the case may be, it] expressly disclaims any such liability.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 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 solicitorsS

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

[F74(1)]Any F75. . . person (including a body corporate) who [F76, not having the relevant qualification,]either by himself or together with others, wilfully and falsely—

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

[F77(aa)pretends to be a registered European lawyer; or]

[F78(ab)pretends to be a registered foreign lawyer; 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 [F79[F80, registered European lawyer or registered foreign lawyer], as the case may be,] or recognised by law as so qualified;

shall be guilty of an offence.

  • [F81In this section, “ F75... person” does not include an incorporated practice].

[F82(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.

(3)F83. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F78S. 31(1)(ab) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 6(a)}

F80Words in s. 31(1)(b) substituted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 6(b)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 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 [F84and regulations 6, 11, 12 and 13 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000], 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 [F85action 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 [F86(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 [F87or

(e)an incorporated practice.]

[F88(2A)Subsection (1)(a) shall not apply to a [F89“conveyancing practitioner”] 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 M3Sheriff 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.

[F90(4)For the purposes of this section, “unqualified person” includes a registered foreign lawyer.]

Textual Amendments

F84Words in s. 32(1) inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(9)

F88S. 32(2A)–(2C) inserted (1.3.1997 for all purposes except in relation to a recognised financial institution and except as to subsection (2B) the insertion of which came into force 1.1.1991; see S.I. 1990/2624) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 74, Sch. 8 Pt. II para. 29(6)(b); S.I. 1996/2894, art. 3, Sch. as amended by S.I. 1996/2966, art. 2

F90S. 32(4) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 7}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5S. 32 amended (17.5.2004) by S.I. 1978/1910, arts. 5, 8, 18(1), Sch. Pt. 2 (as amended by The European Communities (Services of Lawyers) Amendment (Scotland) Order (S.S.I. 2004/186), {art. 7(b))}

Marginal Citations

33 Unqualified persons not entitled to fees, etc.S

[F91Subject to the provisions of regulations 12 and 13 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000,]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,. . . F92 frames or draws any writs to which section 32 applies,

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

[F93This section does not apply to an incorporated practice.][F94or 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

F91Words in s. 33 inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(10)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6S. 33 excluded (17.5.2004) by S.I. 1978/1910, art. 18(3) (as amended by The European Communities (Services of Lawyers) Amendment (Scotland) Order (S.S.I. 2004/186), {art. 6(b))}

[F9533A 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

[F9633B

(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

F96S. 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 IIIS Professional Practice, Conduct and Discipline of Solicitors

Practice RulesS

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 [F97and incorporated practices].

[F98(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.]

[F99and

(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.]

[F100(1B)Rules made under this section may–

(a)prevent a solicitor from entering a multi-national practice without the approval of the Council; and

(b)make different provision for the regulation of solicitors and registered foreign lawyers in a multi-national practice in the following different cases–

(i)where the principal place of business of the practice is outside Scotland and it has a place of business in Scotland;

(ii)where the principal place of business of the practice is in Scotland and it has a place of business outside Scotland;

(iii)where the principal place of business of the practice is in Scotland and it has no place of business outside Scotland.

(1C)For the purposes of subsection (1B)(b), the principal place of business of a multi-national practice shall be determined by the Council who shall take into account factors set out in rules which may be made under this section.]

(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.

[F101(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.

[F102(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

F99S. 34(1A)(f) and word “and” immediately preceding it inserted (17.3.1993) by Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40, SIF 76:2), s. 31(3)(a); S.I. 1993/641, art. 3,Sch.

F100S. 34(1B)(1C) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 9}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7S. 34 modified (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 14}

Accounts rulesS

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 [F103and incorporated practices] of accounts and deposits at the banks specified in subsection (2) [F104or 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 [F103and incorporated practices]of—

(i)a deposit or share account with a building society. . . F105, 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 [F103and 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;. . . F106

(d)as to the action which the Council may take to enable them to ascertain whether or not the rules are being complied with. [F107; 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). . . F108

(c)the National Savings Bank;

F109(d). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F110(e)a person (other than a building society) who has permission under Part 4 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to accept deposits;

F110(ea)an EEA firm of the kind mentioned in paragraph 5(b) of Schedule 3 to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 which has permission under paragraph 15 of that Schedule (as a result of qualifying for authorisation under paragraph 12 of that Schedule) to accept deposits;]

(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F111

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

[F112(2A)Paragraphs (e) and (ea) of subsection (2) must be read with—

(a)section 22 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000;

(b)any relevant order under that section; and

(c)Schedule 2 to that Act.]

(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

[F113(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 M4Local 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

F110S. 35(2)(e)(ea) subsituted for s. 35(2)(e) (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 222(2)

F111S. 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))

F112S. 35(2A) inserted (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 222(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C8S. 35 modified (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 14}

C9S. 35(2) amended (1.1.1993) by 1992/3218, reg. 82(1), Sch. 10 Pt. I para. 11

Marginal Citations

36 Interest on client’s money.S

(1)Accounts rules shall make provision for requiring a solicitor [F114or and incorporated practice], in such cases as may be prescribed by the rules,. . . F115

(a)to keep in a separate deposit or savings account at a bank [F116or 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

[F117(aa)to keep in—

(i)a deposit or share account with a. . . F118 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 [F114or, 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 [F114or, 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) [F119or (aa)].

(2)The cases in which a solicitor [F120or 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 [F121or 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 [F121or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] on monies lodged in an account [F122at 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 [F121or, 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 [F123or an incorporated practice and its client] as to the application of the client’s money or interest on it.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C10S. 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 [F124and 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 [F125or 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 [F126or 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 [F127or, as the case may be, of the incorporated practice] with money held by him or them [F126or, as the case may be, it] for or on behalf of clients; or

(b)a solicitor [F126or 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 [F126or, 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 [F128or 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 [F128or, 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 [F129or 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 [F129or, 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

F127Words 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)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C11S. 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}

C12S. 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 interveneS

38 Powers where dishonesty alleged.S

(1)If the Council have reasonable cause to believe that a solicitor or an employee of his [F130or 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 [F130or, 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 [F131or, 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 [F131or, 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 [F132its] employees.]

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

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C13S. 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 [F133or an incorporated practice] in dealing with any matter in which he or his firm [F133or, 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 [F133or, 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 [F133or, 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 [F134or, 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 [F134or, as the case may be, it] is so informed in writing, section 38 shall apply in relation to that solicitor and his firm [F134or, 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 [F134or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] has been guilty of any such dishonesty as is mentioned in section 43(2).

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C14S. 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}

[F13539A 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C15S. 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 [F136or incorporated practice], after enquiry and after giving the solicitor [F136or, as the case may be, incorporated practice] an opportunity of being heard, that the solicitor [F136or, as the case may be, incorporated practice][F137has 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 [F136or, 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

[F138(a)]withdraw the practising certificate held by the solicitor [F139or, 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 [F140or, 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 [F140or, 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 [F141or 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 [F142a] 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C16S. 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 [F143or an incorporated practice], and, on consideration of the report of the investigation, the Council are satisfied—

(a)that the solicitor [F144or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] has failed. . . F145 to comply with the provisions of those rules, and

(b)that, [F146, 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 [F147; 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 [F148or, as the case may be, of the incorporated practice]; and the Court, on consideration of the said report and after giving the solicitor [F149or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] an opportunity of being heard, may appoint a judicial factor on [F150such] estate, or do otherwise as seems proper to it.

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17S. 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) [F151or (2A)], the sum at the credit of any client account kept by a solicitor [F151or an incorporated practice] (or where several such accounts are kept by him [F151or, 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 [F151or, as the case may be, by it on behalf of its clients] and remaining due by him [F151or, 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 [F151or, 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 [F151or, as the case may be, by it on their behalf] and remaining due by him [F151or, 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.

[F152(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 [F153or an incorporated practice] keeps an account at a bank in his [F153or, as the case may be, its] own name [F153or, 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 [F153or, as the case may be, by the incorporated practice on that behalf] and remaining due by him [F153or, 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 [F154; nor shall any regard be had for such purposes to any—

(a)deposit or share account with a. . . F155 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 [F153or, 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18S. 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

[F15642ZAUnsatisfactory professional conduct: Council's powersS

(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

Valid from 01/10/2008

42ZBUnsatisfactory 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

Valid from 01/10/2008

[F15742ZCReport by Commission to Council under section 10(2)(e) of the 2007 Act: Council's powersS

(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

Valid from 01/10/2008

42ZDDirection under section 42ZC(2): appeal by practitionerS

(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

[F15842A 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.

[F159(d)to direct the solicitor to pay to the client by way of compensation such sum, not exceeding [F160£5,000], 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

F159S. 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

F160Sum in s. 43A(2)(d) substituted (1.4.2005) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Compensation for Inadequate Professional Services) Order (S.S.I 2004/550), {art. 2(a)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19S. 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}

[F16142B 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20S. 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}

[F16242C 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21S. 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 clientsS

43 Guarantee FundS

(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

[F163(a)]any solicitor [F164, registered foreign lawyer][F165or registered European lawyer] in practice in the United Kingdom, or any employee of such a solicitor [F164, registered foreign lawyer][F165or registered European lawyer] in connection with the practice of the solicitor [F164, registered foreign lawyer][F165or registered European lawyer], 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 [F166; 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;

[F167(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; F168. . .]

(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 [F169; F170. . .

(e)in respect of any default of a registered European lawyer, or any of his employees or partners, where such act or default takes place outside Scotland, unless the Council is satisfied that the act or default is closely connected with the registered European lawyer’s practice in Scotland.][F171;

(f)in respect of any act or default of a registered foreign lawyer, or any of his employees or partners, where such act or default takes place outside Scotland, unless the Council is satisfied that the act or default is closely connected with the registered foreign lawyer’s practice, or any of his partners' practice, in Scotland; or

(g)in respect of any act or default of any member, director, manager, secretary or other employee of an incorporated practice which is a multi-national practice, where such act or default takes place outside Scotland, unless the Council is satisfied that the act or default is closely connected with the incorporated practice’s practice in Scotland.]

(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) [F172or 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

F164Words in s. 43(2)(a) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 10(a)}

F169S. 43(3)(e) and the preceding word inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(11)(b)(ii)

F170Word in s. 43(3)(d) repealed (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 10(b)(i)}

F171S. 43(3)(f)(g) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 10(b)(ii)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22S. 43 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}

44 Professional indemnity.S

(1)The Council may make rules with the concurrence of the Lord President concerning indemnity for solicitors and former solicitors [F173and 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 [F174an authorised insurer];

(c)require solicitors or any specified class of solicitors [F173and incorporated practices or any specified class thereof] to take out and maintain insurance with [F174an authorised insurer].

(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 [F175and incorporated practices or any class of incorporated practices] to make payments to any such fund;

(c)may require solicitors or any class of solicitors [F175and 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 [F175or 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 [F175or, as the case may be, it] has failed to comply may be taken against him [F175or, as the case may be, it] by the Society or by insurers;

(g)may specify circumstances in which solicitors [F175and 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 [F176 an “authorised insurer” is—

(a)a person who has permission under Part 4 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 to effect or carry out contracts of general liability insurance;

(b)a person who has permission under Part 4 of that Act to effect or carry out contracts of insurance relating to accident, sickness, credit, suretyship, miscellaneous financial loss and legal expenses;

(c)an EEA firm of the kind mentioned in paragraph 5(d) of Schedule 3 to that Act, which has permission under paragraph 15 of that Schedule (as a result of qualifying for authorisation under paragraph 12 of that Schedule) to effect or carry out contracts of general liability insurance; or

(d)an EEA firm of the kind mentioned in paragraph 5(d) of Schedule 3 to that Act, which has permission under paragraph 15 of that Schedule (as a result of qualifying for authorisation under paragraph 12 of that Schedule) to effect or carry out contracts relating to accident, sickness, credit, suretyship, miscellaneous financial loss and legal expenses;]

  • “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 [F177and, as respects incorporated practices, means any liability incurred by it which if it had been incurred by a solicitor would constitute such civil liability]

[F178(6)The definition of “authorised insurer” in subsection (5) must be read with—

(a)section 22 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000;

(b)any relevant order under that section; and

(c)Schedule 2 to that Act.]

Textual Amendments

F174Words in s. 44(1)(b)(c) substituted (19.11.1992) by 1992/2890, reg. 12(2)

F176Definition in s. 44(5) substituted (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 223(2)

F178S. 44(6) inserted (1.12.2001) by S.I. 2001/3649, arts. 1, 223(3)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23S. 44 modified (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 14}

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 [F179and, in relation to any incorporated practice, the recognition under section 34(1A) of which is revoked].

(2)[F180In 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 [F180or 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.

[F181(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 [F182or, 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 [F182or, as the case may be, incorporated practice], notwithstanding that the Council may not have reasonable cause to believe that he [F182or, 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 [F183or, 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24S. 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 [F184or, 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 [F184and, 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 [F185or, 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 [F186and if any incorporated practice so acts its recognition under section 34(1A) shall be revoked.]

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25S. 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F187S

Textual Amendments

Part IVS Complaints and Disciplinary Proceedings

Lay ObserverS

F18849. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S

Textual Amendments

The Scottish Solicitors’ Discipline TribunalS

50 The Tribunal.S

(1)For the purposes of this Part of this Act [F189and sections 16 to 23 (which relate to the provision of conveyancing and executry services) of the 1990 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.

Textual Amendments

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.

[F190(1A)In subsection (1) above, without prejudice to the generality of that subsection, the reference to a complaint includes a complaint in respect of conveyancing and executry practitioners and the provision by them of conveyancing and executry services (those expressions having the meanings given in section 23 of the 1990 Act).]

(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 [F191or against the Scottish Legal Aid Fund]) [F192or an incorporated practice may have failed to comply with any provision of this Act or of rules made under this Act applicable to it][F193or 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;

[F194(aa)the Advocate General for Scotland]

(b)any judge;

[F195(ba)the Dean of the Faculty of Advocates;]

(c)the Auditor of the Court of Session;

(d)the Auditor of any sheriff court.

[F196(e)the Scottish Legal Aid Board.]

[F197(f)the Scottish legal services ombudsman.]

[F198(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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26S. 51 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}

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 [F199or an incorporated practice].

(2)Subject to the other provisions of this Part [F200, the provisions of sections 16 to 23 of the 1990 Act], 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

[F201(aa)for regulating the making, hearing and determining of appeals made to it under section 42A(7) or 53D(1);]

[F202(ab)for regulating the making, hearing and determining of—

(i)inquiries under subsection (2A) of section 20 of the 1990 Act; and

(ii)appeals under subsection (11)(b) of that section.]

(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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28S. 52(1) 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}

C29S. 52(2) modified (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 14}

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 [F203, 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

[F204(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 [F205or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] a fine not exceeding [F206£10,000]; or

(d)censure the solicitor [F205or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice]; or

(e)impose such fine and censure him [F205or, as the case may be, it][F207or

(f)order that the recognition under section 34(1A) of the incorporated practice be revoked][F208; 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).

[F209(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).]

[F210(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 [F211or 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.

[F212(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.]

[F213(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) [F214,(6A) or (6B)] the Tribunal give a direction under [F215subsection (6) or, as the case may be, subsection (6A)][F216or (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.

[F217(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.]

[F218(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 [F219—

(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.

[F220(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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

Valid from 01/10/2008

[F22153ZARemission of complaint by Tribunal to CouncilS

(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

Valid from 01/10/2008

53ZBPowers of Tribunal on appeal: unsatisfactory professional conductS

(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

Valid from 01/10/2008

53ZCEnforcement of Council direction: unsatisfactory professional conductS

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

[F22253A 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;

[F223(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.

[F224(d)to direct the solicitor to pay the client by way of compensation such sum, not exceeding [F225£5,000], 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

F225Sum in s. 53A(2)(d) substituted (1.4.2005) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Compensation for Inadequate Professional Services) Order (S.S.I 2004/550), {art. 2(b)}

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C31S. 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}

[F22653B 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C32S. 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}

[F22753C 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C33S. 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}

[F22853D 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

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 [F229that 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

[F230(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 [F231;

(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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C34S. 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

[F23254AAppeals from decisions of Tribunal: unsatisfactory professional conductS

(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

The CourtS

55 Powers of CourtS

(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

[F233(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.

[F234(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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C35S. 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

[F23555APowers of Court: unsatisfactory professional conductS

(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

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)

C36S. 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}

[F23656A 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C37S. 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 VS Notaries Public

57 Admission and enrolment of solicitors as notaries public.S

[F237(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 [F238direct the Council to register him in the register of notaries public.]

[F239(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. . . F240 on any application by a [F241person] to be admitted a notary public may be prescribed by rules of court.

[F242(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

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 [F243strike 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, [F244the Council shall forthwith] restore the name to the register of notaries public.

[F245(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

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 [F246or before the Scottish 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.

Textual Amendments

F246Words in s. 59(2) inserted (6.5.1999) by S.I. 1999/1042, art. 3, Sch. 1 Pt. I para.8

Valid from 23/11/2007

[F24759ARules regarding notaries publicS

(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

60. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F248S

Textual Amendments

PART VIS Miscellaneous And General

MiscellaneousS

[F24960A 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;

[F250(aa)the information which shall accompany such applications;]

(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.

[F251(4A)Any person may inspect the register of foreign lawyers during office hours without payment.

(4B)A registered foreign lawyer who wishes his name to be removed from the register of foreign lawyers may make an application to the Council in that behalf, and the Council shall, if the registered foreign lawyer satisfies the Council that he has made adequate arrangements with respect to the business that he has then in hand, remove the name of that foreign lawyer from the register of foreign lawyers.

(4C)On an application to the Council by a foreign lawyer whose name has been removed from the register of foreign lawyers under subsection (4B), the Council may, after such inquiry as they think proper, restore the name of the foreign lawyer to the register of foreign lawyers.

(4D)A foreign lawyer whose name has been removed (other than pursuant to an application made under subsection (4B)) from the register of foreign lawyers shall have his name restored to that register only 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.

(4E)Rules made by the Tribunal under section 52 (procedure on complaints to the Tribunal) may–

(a)regulate the making, hearing and determining of applications under subsection (4D); and

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

(4F)Where, following an application under subsection (4), the Council decide not to enter the name of a foreign lawyer in the register of foreign lawyers the applicant may, within three months of the notification to him of the Council’s decision (or later with the permission of the court), appeal to the court against the decision and, on such an appeal, the court may–

(a)order the Council to register the foreign lawyer;

(b)refuse the appeal; or

(c)remit the matter to the Council with such directions as it sees fit.

(4G)Sections 24A to 24G (registration certificates for registered European lawyers) shall apply to registered foreign lawyers as they apply to registered European lawyers and any reference in those sections (as so applied) to a registration certificate shall be construed as a reference to a registration certificate for a registered foreign lawyer.]

(5)Subject to subsection (6), the Secretary of State may by order made by statutory instrument provide that any enactment or instrument—

(a)F252. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(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

F250S. 60A(2)(aa) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 11(a)}

F251S. 60A(4A)-(4G) inserted (1.10.2004) by The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 11(b)}

F252S. 60A(5)(a) omitted (1.10.2004) by virtue of The Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 (Foreign Lawyers and Multi-national Practices) Regulations (S.S.I. 2004/383), {reg. 11(c)}

61 Protection of banks.S

(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, no bank [F253or building society] shall, in connection with any transaction on any account of a solicitor [F254or an incorporated practice] kept with it or with any other bank [F253or 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 [F253or 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 [F254or an incorporated practice] as trustee for a specified beneficiary.

(3)Notwithstanding anything in the preceding provisions of this section a bank [F253or building society] at which a solicitor [F255or an incorporated practice] keeps a special account for clients’ money shall not, in respect of any liability of the solicitor [F255or, as the case may be, the incorporated practice] to the bank [F253or 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C38S. 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}

[F25661A Solicitors fees.S

(1)Subject to the provisions of this section, and without prejudice to—

(a)section 32(1)(i) of the M5Sheriff Courts (Scotland) Act 1971; or

(b)section 5(h) of the M6Court 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

F256S. 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)

C39S. 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

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.

[F25762A 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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C40S. 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}

GeneralS

63 Penalties and time limit for prosecution of offencesS

(1)Any person guilty of an offence under this Act shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [F258[F259level 4] on the standard scale][F260 . . ..]

(2)Notwithstanding any provision of the M7Criminal 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.

[F261(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

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C41S. 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

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 [F262or, in the case of an incorporated practice, it is left at, or delivered or sent by post to, its registered office].

Textual Amendments

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C42S. 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}

[F26364A 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

[F26464B 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

[F26564C 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)F266. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Textual Amendments

F266S. 64C(3) repealed (20.6.2003) by The Enterprise Act 2002 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Order (S.I. 2003/1398), art. 2, {Sch. para. 2(2)}

[F26764CAEnforcement of notices under section 64CS

 

(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

F267Ss. 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)}

64CBAltering, etc. documents required to be produced under section 64CS

 

(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

F267Ss. 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)}

[F26864D 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

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;

  • [F269“building society” means a building society within the meaning of the M8Building Societies Act 1986;]

  • “client account” means a current or deposit or savings account [F270at 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;

  • [F271“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;]

  • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F272

  • “functions” includes powers and duties;

  • [F273“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;]

  • [F274“incorporated practice” has the meaning given by section 34(1A)(c);]

  • “judge” includes sheriff;

  • [F275“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;]

  • F276 . . .

  • “Lord President” means the Lord President of the Court of Session;

  • [F277“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;]

  • [F278“the 1990 Act” means the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 (c. 40);]

  • “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;

[F279[F280“registered European lawyer” means a person registered with the Society in accordance with regulation 17 of the European Communities (Lawyer’s Practice) (Scotland) Regulations 2000;]

  • “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;

  • [F281“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 [F282, 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 [F283and registered European lawyers];

(b)in any enactment to the register of law agents kept in pursuance of the M9Law 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 [F284or registered European lawyer’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

F280S. 65(1): definition of “registered European lawyer” inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(12)(a)

F283Words in s. 65(2)(a) added (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(12)(b)

F284Words in s. 65(2)(e) inserted (22.5.2000) by S.S.I. 2000/121, regs. 1(1), 37(1), Sch. 1 para. 1(12)(c)

Marginal Citations

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 M10Interpretation 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)

C43The 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

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.

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This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

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More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources

The data on this page is available in the alternative data formats listed: