Courts and Legal Services Act 1990

Miscellaneous E+W

[F1 58 Conditional fee agreements. E+W

(1) A conditional fee agreement which satisfies all of the conditions applicable to it by virtue of this section shall not be unenforceable by reason only of its being a conditional fee agreement; but (subject to subsection (5)) any other conditional fee agreement shall be unenforceable.

(2) For the purposes of this section and section 58A—

(a) a conditional fee agreement is an agreement with a person providing advocacy or litigation services which provides for his fees and expenses, or any part of them, to be payable only in specified circumstances; [F2 and]

(b) a conditional fee agreement provides for a success fee if it provides for the amount of any fees to which it applies to be increased, in specified circumstances, above the amount which would be payable if it were not payable only in specified circumstances [F3 and

(c) references to a success fee, in relation to a conditional fee agreement, are to the amount of the increase.]

(3) The following conditions are applicable to every conditional fee agreement—

(a) it must be in writing;

(b) it must not relate to proceedings which cannot be the subject of an enforceable conditional fee agreement; and

(c) it must comply with such requirements (if any) as may be prescribed by the [F4 Lord Chancellor].

(4) The following further conditions are applicable to a conditional fee agreement which provides for a success fee—

(a) it must relate to proceedings of a description specified by order made by the [F4 Lord Chancellor];

(b) it must state the percentage by which the amount of the fees which would be payable if it were not a conditional fee agreement is to be increased; and

(c) that percentage must not exceed the percentage specified in relation to the description of proceedings to which the agreement relates by order made by the [F4 Lord Chancellor].

[F5 (4A) The additional conditions are applicable to a conditional fee agreement which—

(a) provides for a success fee, and

(b) relates to proceedings of a description specified by order made by the Lord Chancellor for the purposes of this subsection.

(4B) The additional conditions are that—

(a) the agreement must provide that the success fee is subject to a maximum limit,

(b) the maximum limit must be expressed as a percentage of the descriptions of damages awarded in the proceedings that are specified in the agreement,

(c) that percentage must not exceed the percentage specified by order made by the Lord Chancellor in relation to the proceedings or calculated in a manner so specified, and

(d) those descriptions of damages may only include descriptions of damages specified by order made by the Lord Chancellor in relation to the proceedings.]

(5) If a conditional fee agreement is an agreement to which section 57 of the M1 Solicitors Act 1974 (non-contentious business agreements between solicitor and client) applies, subsection (1) shall not make it unenforceable.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 58, 58A substituted (1.4.2000) for s. 58 by 1999 c. 22, s. 27(1) (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 2000/774, art. 2(b) (with arts. 3-5)

F2 Word in s. 58(2) omitted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 except in relation to specified proceedings, 6.4.2016 in so far as not already in force except in relation to proceedings relating to a claim for damages in respect of diffuse mesothelioma and publication and privacy proceedings) by virtue of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 44(1)(a), 151(1) (with s. 48); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(a), 3(a) (with art. 4); S.I. 2016/345, art. 2

F3 S. 58(2)(c) and word inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 except in relation to specified proceedings, 6.4.2016 in so far as not already in force except in relation to proceedings relating to a claim for damages in respect of diffuse mesothelioma and publication and privacy proceedings) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 44(1)(b), 151(1) (with s. 48); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(a), 3(a) (with art. 4); S.I. 2016/345, art. 2

F4 Words in s. 58 substituted (12.1.2006) by The Transfer of Functions (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3429), art. 8, Sch. para. 2

F5 S. 58(4A)(4B) inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 except in relation to specified proceedings, 6.4.2016 in so far as not already in force except in relation to proceedings relating to a claim for damages in respect of diffuse mesothelioma and publication and privacy proceedings) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 44(2), 151(1) (with s. 48); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(a), 3(a) (with art. 4); S.I. 2016/345, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 58: transfer of functions (12.1.2006) by The Transfer of Functions (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3429), art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)

C2 S. 58(3)(c) extended (27.9.1999) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 105, 108(3), Sch. 14 Pt. III para. 11 (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2))

C3 S. 58(4) extended (27.9.1999) by 1999 c.22, ss. 105, 108(3), Sch. 14 Pt. III para. 10 (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2))

Marginal Citations

M1 1974 c.47.

F6 58A Conditional fee agreements: supplementary. E+W

(1) The proceedings which cannot be the subject of an enforceable conditional fee agreement are—

(a) criminal proceedings, a part from proceedings under section 82 of the M2 Environmental Protection Act 1990; and

(b) family proceedings.

(2) In subsection (1) “family proceedings” means proceedings under any one or more of the following—

(a) the M3 Matrimonial Causes Act 1973;

[F7 (b) the Adoption and Children Act 2002;]

(c) the M4 Domestic Proceedings and Magistrates’ Courts Act 1978;

(d) Part III of the M5 Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984;

(e) Parts I, II and IV of the M6 Children Act 1989;

(f) [F8 Parts 4 and 4A]of the M7 Family Law Act 1996; F9 . . .

[F10 (fza) Part 1 of Schedule 2 to the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003;]

[F11 (fa) Chapter 2 of Part 2 of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (proceedings for dissolution etc. of civil partnership);

(fb) Schedule 5 to the 2004 Act (financial relief in the High Court or a county court etc.);

(fc) Schedule 6 to the 2004 Act (financial relief in magistrates' courts etc.);

(fd) Schedule 7 to the 2004 Act (financial relief in England and Wales after overseas dissolution etc. of a civil partnership); and]

(g) the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court in relation to children.

(3) The requirements which the [F12 Lord Chancellor] may prescribe under section 58(3)(c)—

(a) include requirements for the person providing advocacy or litigation services to have provided prescribed information before the agreement is made; and

(b) may be different for different descriptions of conditional fee agreements (and, in particular, may be different for those which provide for a success fee and those which do not).

(4) In section 58 and this section (and in the definitions of “advocacy services” and “litigation services” as they apply for their purposes) “proceedings” includes any sort of proceedings for resolving disputes (and not just proceedings in a court), whether commenced or contemplated.

(5) Before making an order under section 58(4) [F13 , (4A) or (4B)], the [F12 Lord Chancellor] shall consult—

(a) the designated judges;

(b) the General Council of the Bar;

(c) the Law Society; and

(d) such other bodies as he considers appropriate.

[F14 (6) A costs order made in any proceedings may, subject in the case of court proceedings to rules of court, include provision requiring the payment of any fees payable under a conditional fee agreement which provides for a success fee.]

[F14 (6) A costs order made in proceedings may not include provision requiring the payment by one party of all or part of a success fee payable by another party under a conditional fee agreement.]

(7) Rules of court may make provision with respect to the assessment of any costs which include fees payable under a conditional fee agreement (including one which provides for a success fee).

Textual Amendments

F6 Ss. 58, 58A substituted (1.4.2000) for s. 58 by 1999 c.22, s. 27(1) (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2)); S.I. 2000/774, art. 2(b) (with arts. 3-5)

F7 S. 58A(2)(b) substituted (30.12.2005) by 2002 c. 38, ss. 139, 148(1), Sch. 3 para. 80 (with savings in Sch. 4 paras. 6-8, 22); S.I. 2005/2213, art. 2

F8 Words in s. 58A(2)(f) substituted (25.11.2008) by Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 (c. 20), ss. 3(1), 4(2), Sch. 2 para. 2; S.I. 2008/2779, art. 2(b)(c)

F9 Word in s. 58A(2)(f) repealed (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1)(4), 263, Sch. 27 para. 138, Sch. 30; S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2, Sch. 1

F10 S. 58A(2)(fza) inserted (17.7.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 13; S.I. 2015/1428, reg. 2(c)(ii)

F11 S. 58A(2)(fa)-(fd) inserted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263, Sch. 27 para. 138; S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2, Sch. 1

F12 Words in s. 58A substituted (12.1.2006) by The Transfer of Functions (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3429), art. 8, Sch. para. 2

F13 Words in s. 58A(5) inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 except in relation to specified proceedings, 6.4.2016 in so far as not already in force except in relation to proceedings relating to a claim for damages in respect of diffuse mesothelioma and publication and privacy proceedings, 6.4.2019 in relation to publication and privacy proceedings) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 44(3), 151(1) (with s. 48); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(a), 3(a) (with art. 4); S.I. 2016/345, art. 2; S.I. 2018/1287, art. 2

F14 S. 58A(6) substituted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 except in relation to specified proceedings, 6.4.2016 in so far as not already in force except in relation to proceedings relating to a claim for damages in respect of diffuse mesothelioma and publication and privacy proceedings, 6.4.2019 in relation to publication and privacy proceedings) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 44(4), 151(1) (with ss. 44(6), 48); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(a), 3(a) (with art. 4); S.I. 2016/345, art. 2; S.I. 2018/1287, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 S. 58A: transfer of functions (12.1.2006) by The Transfer of Functions (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3429), art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)

C5 S. 58A(6)(7) excluded (1.4.2000) by S.I. 2000/900, art. 2(1)(a)(b)

Marginal Citations

M2 1990 c.43.

M3 1973 c.18.

M4 1978 c.22.

M5 1984 c.42.

M6 1989 c.41.

M7 1996 c.27.

[F15 58AA Damages-based agreements F16 ... E+W

(1) A damages-based agreement which F17 ... satisfies the conditions in subsection (4) is not unenforceable by reason only of its being a damages-based agreement.

(2) But [F18 (subject to subsection (9))] a damages-based agreement which F19 ... does not satisfy those conditions is unenforceable.

(3) For the purposes of this section—

(a) a damages-based agreement is an agreement between a person providing advocacy services, litigation services or claims management services and the recipient of those services which provides that—

(i) the recipient is to make a payment to the person providing the services if the recipient obtains a specified financial benefit in connection with the matter in relation to which the services are provided, and

(ii) the amount of that payment is to be determined by reference to the amount of the financial benefit obtained;

F20 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) The agreement—

(a) must be in writing;

[F21 (aa) must not relate to proceedings which by virtue of section 58A(1) and (2) cannot be the subject of an enforceable conditional fee agreement or to proceedings of a description prescribed by the Lord Chancellor;]

(b) [F22 if regulations so provide,] must not provide for a payment above a prescribed amount or for a payment above an amount calculated in a prescribed manner;

(c) must comply with such other requirements as to its terms and conditions as are prescribed; and

(d) must be made only after the person providing services under the agreement [F23 has complied with such requirements (if any) as may be prescribed as to the provision of information].

(5) Regulations under subsection (4) are to be made by the Lord Chancellor and may make different provision in relation to different descriptions of agreements.

(6) Before making regulations under subsection (4) the Lord Chancellor must consult—

(a) the designated judges,

(b) the General Council of the Bar,

(c) the Law Society, and

(d) such other bodies as the Lord Chancellor considers appropriate.

[F24 (6A) Rules of court may make provision with respect to the assessment of costs in proceedings where a party in whose favour a costs order is made has entered into a damages-based agreement in connection with the proceedings.]

(7) In this section—

• “payment” includes a transfer of assets and any other transfer of money's worth (and the reference in subsection (4)(b) to a payment above a prescribed amount, or above an amount calculated in a prescribed manner, is to be construed accordingly);

• “claims management services” has the same meaning as in [F25 Part 2 of the Compensation Act 2006 (see section 4(2) of that Act)] [F25 the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (see section 419A of that Act)].

[F26 (7A) In this section (and in the definitions of “advocacy services” and “litigation services” as they apply for the purposes of this section) “proceedings” includes any sort of proceedings for resolving disputes (and not just proceedings in a court), whether commenced or contemplated.]

(8) Nothing in this section applies to an agreement entered into before the coming into force of the first regulations made under subsection (4).

[F27 (9) Where section 57 of the Solicitors Act 1974 (non-contentious business agreements between solicitor and client) applies to a damages-based agreement other than one relating to an employment matter, subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not make it unenforceable.

(10) For the purposes of subsection (9) a damages-based agreement relates to an employment matter if the matter in relation to which the services are provided is a matter that is, or could become, the subject of proceedings before an employment tribunal.]

[F28 (11) Subsection (1) is subject to section 47C(8) of the Competition Act 1998.]]

Textual Amendments

F15 S. 58AA inserted (12.11.2009) by Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (c. 25), ss. 154(2), 182(1)(e) (with s. 180, Sch. 22)

F16 Words in s. 58AA heading omitted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(11), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F17 Words in s. 58AA(1) omitted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(2), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F18 Words in s. 58AA(2) inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(3)(a), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F19 Words in s. 58AA(2) omitted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(3)(b), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F20 S. 58AA(3)(b) omitted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(4), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F21 S. 58AA(4)(aa) inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(5), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F22 Words in s. 58AA(4)(b) inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(6), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F23 Words in s. 58AA(4)(d) substituted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(7), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F24 S. 58AA(6A) inserted (1.10.2012) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(8), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2012/2412, art. 2(a)

F25 Words in s. 58AA(7) substituted (29.11.2018 for specified purposes, 1.4.2019 in so far as not already in force) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Claims Management Activity) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/1253), arts. 1(2)(3), 90 (with arts. 106, 107)

F26 S. 58AA(7A) inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(9), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F27 S. 58AA(9)(10) inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 45(10), 151(1) (with s. 45(13)); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(b), 3(b)

F28 S. 58AA(11) inserted (1.10.2015) by Consumer Rights Act 2015 (c. 15), s. 100(5), Sch. 8 para. 37; S.I. 2015/1630, art. 3(j)

Prospective

[F29 58B Litigation funding agreements. E+W

(1) A litigation funding agreement which satisfies all of the conditions applicable to it by virtue of this section shall not be unenforceable by reason only of its being a litigation funding agreement.

(2) For the purposes of this section a litigation funding agreement is an agreement under which—

(a) a person (“the funder”) agrees to fund (in whole or in part) the provision of advocacy or litigation services (by someone other than the funder) to another person (“the litigant”); and

(b) the litigant agrees to pay a sum to the funder in specified circumstances.

(3) The following conditions are applicable to a litigation funding agreement—

(a) the funder must be a person, or person of a description, prescribed by the Secretary of State;

(b) the agreement must be in writing;

(c) the agreement must not relate to proceedings which by virtue of section 58A(1) and (2) cannot be the subject of an enforceable conditional fee agreement or to proceedings of any such description as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State;

(d) the agreement must comply with such requirements (if any) as may be so prescribed;

(e) the sum to be paid by the litigant must consist of any costs payable to him in respect of the proceedings to which the agreement relates together with an amount calculated by reference to the funder’s anticipated expenditure in funding the provision of the services; and

(f) that amount must not exceed such percentage of that anticipated expenditure as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State in relation to proceedings of the description to which the agreement relates.

(4) Regulations under subsection (3)(a) may require a person to be approved by the Secretary of State or by a prescribed person.

(5) The requirements which the Secretary of State may prescribe under subsection (3)(d)—

(a) include requirements for the funder to have provided prescribed information to the litigant before the agreement is made; and

(b) may be different for different descriptions of litigation funding agreements.

(6) In this section (and in the definitions of “advocacy services” and “litigation services” as they apply for its purposes) “proceedings” includes any sort of proceedings for resolving disputes (and not just proceedings in a court), whether commenced or contemplated.

(7) Before making regulations under this section, the Secretary of State shall consult—

(a) the designated judges;

(b) the General Council of the Bar;

(c) the Law Society; and

(d) such other bodies as he considers appropriate.

(8) A costs order made in any proceedings may, subject in the case of court proceedings to rules of court, include provision requiring the payment of any amount payable under a litigation funding agreement.

(9) Rules of court may make provision with respect to the assessment of any costs which include fees payable under a litigation funding agreement.]

Textual Amendments

F29 S. 58B inserted (prosp.) by 1999 c. 22, ss. 28, 108(1) (with Sch. 14 para. 7(2))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 S. 58B: transfer of functions (12.1.2006) by The Transfer of Functions (Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/3429), art. 3 (with arts. 4, 5)

[F30 58C Recovery of insurance premiums by way of costs E+W

(1) A costs order made in favour of a party to proceedings who has taken out a costs insurance policy may not include provision requiring the payment of an amount in respect of all or part of the premium of the policy, unless such provision is permitted by regulations under subsection (2).

(2) The Lord Chancellor may by regulations provide that a costs order may include provision requiring the payment of such an amount where—

(a) the order is made in favour of a party to clinical negligence proceedings of a prescribed description,

(b) the party has taken out a costs insurance policy insuring against the risk of incurring a liability to pay for one or more expert reports in respect of clinical negligence in connection with the proceedings (or against that risk and other risks),

(c) the policy is of a prescribed description,

(d) the policy states how much of the premium relates to the liability to pay for an expert report or reports in respect of clinical negligence (“the relevant part of the premium”), and

(e) the amount is to be paid in respect of the relevant part of the premium.

(3) Regulations under subsection (2) may include provision about the amount that may be required to be paid by the costs order, including provision that the amount must not exceed a prescribed maximum amount.

(4) The regulations may prescribe a maximum amount, in particular, by specifying—

(a) a percentage of the relevant part of the premium;

(b) an amount calculated in a prescribed manner.

(5) In this section—

• “clinical negligence” means breach of a duty of care or trespass to the person committed in the course of the provision of clinical or medical services (including dental or nursing services);

• “clinical negligence proceedings” means proceedings which include a claim for damages in respect of clinical negligence;

• “costs insurance policy”, in relation to a party to proceedings, means a policy insuring against the risk of the party incurring a liability in those proceedings;

• “expert report” means a report by a person qualified to give expert advice on all or most of the matters that are the subject of the report;

• “proceedings” includes any sort of proceedings for resolving disputes (and not just proceedings in court), whether commenced or contemplated.]

Textual Amendments

F30 S. 58C inserted (19.1.2013 for specified purposes, 1.4.2013 except in relation to specified proceedings, 6.4.2016 in so far as not already in force except in relation to proceedings relating to a claim for damages in respect of diffuse mesothelioma and publication and privacy proceedings) by Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (c. 10), ss. 46(1), 151(1) (with ss. 46(3), 48); S.I. 2013/77, arts. 2(1)(c), 3(c) (with art. 4); S.I. 2016/345, art. 2

59 Representation under the Legal Aid Act 1988. E+W

F31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F31 S. 59 repealed (2.4.2001) by 1999 c.22, s. 106, Sch. 15 Pt. I (with Sch. 14 paras. 7(2), 36(9)); S.I. 2001/916, art. 3(b)

60 Regulation of right of Scottish and Northern Ireland lawyers to practise in England and Wales. E+W

(1) The [F32 Lord Chancellor] may by regulations prescribe circumstances in which, and conditions subject to which, a practitioner who is qualified to practise in Scotland or Northern Ireland may, in such capacity as may be prescribed, exercise in England and Wales—

(a) prescribed rights of audience; or

(b) prescribed rights to conduct litigation,

without being entitled to do so apart from the regulations.

(2) The [F33 Lord Chancellor] may by regulations make provision for the purpose of enabling practitioners who are qualified to practise in Scotland or Northern Ireland to become qualified to practise in England and Wales on terms, and subject to conditions, corresponding or similar to those on which practitioners who are qualified to practise in member States may become qualified to practise in that jurisdiction.

[F34 (2A) Regulations may be made under this section only if—

(a) the Legal Services Board has made a recommendation under section 60A,

(b) draft regulations were annexed to the recommendation, and

(c) the regulations are in the same form as, or a form not materially different from, the draft regulations.]

(3) Regulations made under subsection (1) may, in particular—

(a) prescribe any right of audience which may not be exercised by a person in England and Wales unless he is instructed to act together with a person who has that right of audience there;

(b) prescribe legal services which may not be provided by any person practising by virtue of the regulations;

(c) prescribe the title or description which must be used by any person practising by virtue of the regulations;

(d) provide for the means by which the qualification of any person claiming to be entitled to practise by virtue of the regulations is to be verified;

(e) provide for such professional or other body as may be prescribed to have power to investigate and deal with any complaint made against a person practising by virtue of the regulations.

(4) Regulations made under subsection (1) or (2) may modify any rule of law or practice which the [F35 Lord Chancellor] considers should be modified in order to give effect to the regulations.

(5) In this section “practitioner” means—

(a) a member of the Bar of Northern Ireland or a [F36 solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland] or an advocate or solicitor in Scotland; and

(b) any person falling within such category as may be prescribed.

Textual Amendments

F32 Words in s. 60(1) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 89(a) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F33 Words in s. 60(2) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 89(b) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F34 S. 60(2A) inserted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 89(c) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F35 Words in s. 60(4) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 89(d) (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

F36 S. 60: for the words "solicitor of the Supreme Court of Northern Ireland" wherever they occur there is substituted (1.10.2009) the words "solicitor of the Court of Judicature of Northern Ireland" by virtue of Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), ss. 59, 148(1), Sch. 11 para. 5; S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

[F37 60A Procedural requirements relating to recommendations for the purposes of section 60 E+W

(1) Before making a recommendation under this section, the Legal Services Board must publish a draft of—

(a) the proposed recommendation, and

(b) the proposed draft regulations.

(2) The draft must be accompanied by a notice which states that representations about the proposals may be made to the Board within a specified period.

(3) Before making the recommendation, the Board must have regard to any representations duly made.

(4) If the draft regulations to be annexed to the recommendation differ from the draft regulations published under subsection (1)(b) in a way which is, in the opinion of the Board, material, the Board must, before making the recommendation, publish the draft recommendations along with a statement detailing the changes made and the reasons for the changes.]

Textual Amendments

F37 S. 60A inserted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 211, Sch. 21 para. 90 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h) (with art. 9)

61 Right of barrister to enter into contract for the provision of his services. E+W

(1) Any rule of law which prevents a barrister from entering into a contract for the provision of his services as a barrister is hereby abolished.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the General Council of the Bar from making rules (however described) which prohibit barristers from entering into contracts or restrict their right to do so.

62 Immunity of advocates from actions in negligence and for breach of contract. E+W

F38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F38 S. 62 repealed (22.7.2004) by Statute Law (Repeals) Act 2004 (c. 14), s. 1(1), {Sch. 1 Pt. 1 Group. 4}

63 Legal professional privilege. E+W

F39 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F39 S. 63 repealed (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 210, 211, Sch. 21 para. 91, Sch. 23 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h)(i) (with art. 9)

64 Discrimination by, or in relation to, barristers. E+W

(1) The following shall be inserted in the M8 Sex Discrimination Act 1975 after section 35—

“ Barristers E+W

35A Discrimination by, or in relation to, barristers.

(1) It is unlawful for a barrister or barrister’s clerk, in relation to any offer of a pupillage or tenancy, to discriminate against a woman—

(a) in the arrangements which are made for the purpose of determining to whom it should be offered;

(b) in respect of any terms on which it is offered; or

(c) by refusing, or deliberately omitting, to offer it to her.

(2) It is unlawful for a barrister or barrister’s clerk, in relation to a woman who is a pupil or tenant in the chambers in question, to discriminate against her—

(a) in respect of any terms applicable to her as a pupil or tenant;

(b) in the opportunities for training, or gaining experience, which are afforded or denied to her;

(c) in the benefits, facilities or services which are afforded or denied to her; or

(d) by terminating her pupillage or by subjecting her to any pressure to leave the chambers or other detriment.

(3) It is unlawful for any person, in relation to the giving, withholding or acceptance of instructions to a barrister, to discriminate against a woman.

(4) In this section—

• “barrister’s clerk” includes any person carrying out any of the functions of a barrister’s clerk; and

• “pupil”, “pupillage”, “tenancy” and “tenant” have the meanings commonly associated with their use in the context of a set of barristers’ chambers.

(5) Section 3 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of any provision of Part II.

(6) This section does not apply to Scotland.”

(2) The following shall be inserted in the M9 Race Relations Act 1976 after section 26—

“ Barristers E+W

26A Discrimination by, or in relation to, barristers.

(1) It is unlawful for a barrister or barrister’s clerk, in relation to any offer of a pupillage or tenancy, to discriminate against a person—

(a) in the arrangements which are made for the purpose of determining to whom it should be offered;

(b) in respect of any terms on which it is offered; or

(c) by refusing, or deliberately omitting, to offer it to him.

(2) It is unlawful for a barrister or barrister’s clerk, in relation to a pupil or tenant in the chambers in question, to discriminate against him—

(a) in respect of any terms applicable to him as a pupil or tenant;

(b) in the opportunities for training, or gaining experience which are afforded or denied to him;

(c) in the benefits, facilities or services which are afforded or denied to him; or

(d) by terminating his pupillage or by subjecting him to any pressure to leave the chambers or other detriment.

(3) It is unlawful for any person, in relation to the giving, withholding or acceptance of instructions to a barrister, to discriminate against any person.

(4) In this section—

• “barrister’s clerk” includes any person carrying out any of the functions of a barrister’s clerk; and

• “pupil”, “pupillage”, “tenancy” and “tenant” have the meanings commonly associated with their use in the context of a set of barristers’ chambers.

(5) This section does not apply to Scotland.”

Marginal Citations

M8 1975 c. 65.

M9 1976 c. 74.

65 Discrimination by, or in relation to, advocates. E+W+S

(1) The following shall be inserted in the M10 Sex Discrimination Act 1975 after section 35A (as inserted by this Act)—

“ Advocates E+W+S

35B Discrimination by, or in relation to, advocates.

(1) It is unlawful for an advocate, in relation to taking any person as his pupil, to discriminate against a woman—

(a) in the arrangements which he makes for the purpose of determining whom he will take as his pupil;

(b) in respect of any terms on which he offers to take her as his pupil; or

(c) by refusing, or deliberately omitting, to take her as his pupil.

(2) It is unlawful for an advocate, in relation to a woman who is a pupil, to discriminate against her—

(a) in respect of any terms applicable to her as a pupil;

(b) in the opportunities for training, or gaining experience, which are afforded or denied to her;

(c) in the benefits, facilities or services which are afforded or denied to her; or

(d) by terminating the relationship or by subjecting her to any pressure to terminate the relationship or other detriment.

(3) It is unlawful for any person, in relation to the giving, withholding or acceptance of instructions to an advocate, to discriminate against a woman.

(4) In this section—

• “advocate” means a member of the Faculty of Advocates practising as such; and

• “pupil” has the meaning commonly associated with its use in the context of a person training to be an advocate.

(5) Section 3 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of any provision of Part II.

(6) This section does not apply to England and Wales.”

(2) The following shall be inserted in the M11 Race Relations Act 1976 after section 26A (as inserted by this Act)—

“ Advocates E+W+S

26B Discrimination by, or in relation to, advocates.

(1) It is unlawful for an advocate, in relation to taking any person as his pupil, to discriminate against a person—

(a) in the arrangements which he makes for the purpose of determining whom he will take as his pupil;

(b) in respect of any terms on which he offers to take any person as his pupil; or

(c) by refusing, or deliberately omitting, to take a person as his pupil.

(2) It is unlawful for an advocate, in relation to a person who is a pupil, to discriminate against him—

(a) in respect of any terms applicable to him as a pupil;

(b) in the opportunities for training, or gaining experience, which are afforded or denied to him;

(c) in the benefits, facilities or services which are afforded or denied to him; or

(d) by terminating the relationship or by subjecting him to any pressure to terminate the relationship or other detriment.

(3) It is unlawful for any person, in relation to the giving, withholding or acceptance of instructions to an advocate, to discriminate against any person.

(4) In this section—

• “advocate” means a member of the Faculty of Advocates practising as such; and

• “pupil” has the meaning commonly associated with its use in the context of a person training to be an advocate.

(5) This section does not apply to England and Wales.”.

Marginal Citations

M10 1975 c. 65.

M11 1976 c. 74.

66 Multi-disciplinary and multi-national practices. E+W

(1) Section 39 of the M12 Solicitors Act 1974 (which, in effect, prevents solicitors entering into partnership with persons who are not solicitors) shall cease to have effect.

(2) Nothing in subsection (1) prevents the Law Society making rules which prohibit solicitors from entering into any unincorporated association with persons who are not solicitors, or restrict the circumstances in which they may do so.

(3) Section 10 of the M13 Public Notaries Act 1801 (which, in effect, prevents notaries entering into partnership with persons who are not notaries) shall cease to have effect.

(4) Nothing in subsection (3) prevents the Master of the Faculties making rules which prohibit notaries from entering into any unincorporated association with persons who are not notaries, or restrict the circumstances in which they may do so.

(5) It is hereby declared that no rule of common law prevents barristers from entering into any unincorporated association with persons who are not barristers.

(6) Nothing in subsection (5) prevents the General Council of the Bar from making rules which prohibit barristers from entering into any such unincorporated association, or restrict the circumstances in which they may do so.

Marginal Citations

M12 1974 c. 47.

M13 1801 c. 79.

67 Right of audience for solicitors in certain Crown Court centres. E+W

F40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F40 S. 67 repealed (31.7.2000) by 1999 c.22, s. 106, Sch. 15 Pt. II (with Sch. 14 paras. 7(2), 36(9)); S.I. 2000/1920, art. 2(c)

68 Preparation of documents etc. by registered patent agents and trade mark agents. E+W

F41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F41 S. 68 repealed (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 210, 211, Sch. 23 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(i)(viii)(ee) (with art. 9)

69 Exemption from liability for damages etc. E+W

F42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F42 S. 69 repealed (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 208, 210, 211, Sch. 21 para. 92, Sch. 23 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(h)(i)(viii)(ee) (with art. 9)