44CPower to charge for costs of investigations

1

The Society may make regulations prescribing charges to be paid to the Society by solicitors who are the subject of a discipline investigation.

2

A “discipline investigation” is an investigation carried out by the Society into—

a

possible professional misconduct by a solicitor, or

b

a failure or apprehended failure by a solicitor to comply with any requirement imposed by or by virtue of this Act or any rules made by the Society.

3

Regulations under this section may—

a

make different provision for different cases or purposes;

b

provide for the whole or part of a charge payable under the regulations to be repaid in such circumstances as may be prescribed by the regulations.

4

Any charge which a solicitor is required to pay under regulations under this section is recoverable by the Society as a debt due to the Society from the solicitor.

5

This section (other than subsection (2)(a)) applies in relation to an employee of a solicitor as it applies in relation to a solicitor.