Where a recognised body acts as such for a client, any communication, document, material or information is privileged from disclosure in like manner as if the recognised body had at all material times been a solicitor acting for the client.

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 recognised body as it has effect in relation to a solicitor.

In F3section 778(3) of, and paragraph 14(5) of Schedule 15 to, the Income and Corporation Taxes Act 1988F4and sections 749, 771(5) and (6) and 788(5) and (6) of the Income Tax Act 2007 any reference to a solicitor’s client shall, in relation to a solicitor who is F5a manager or employee of a recognised body, be construed as a reference to a client of that body.

This paragraph does not apply to a recognised body which holds a licence under Part 5 of the Legal Services Act 2007 (alternative business structures).