The Access to Justice Act 1999 (Solicitors' Practising Certificates) Order 2002

Statutory Instruments

2002 No. 3235

LEGAL SERVICES, ENGLAND AND WALES

The Access to Justice Act 1999 (Solicitors' Practising Certificates) Order 2002

Made

18th December 2002

Coming into force

19th December 2002

Whereas the Lord Chancellor pursuant to section 47(2)(a) of the Access to Justice Act 1999(1) has consulted the Master of the Rolls and the Law Society;

And whereas a draft of this Order has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament pursuant to section 47(2)(b) of that Act;

Now, therefore, the Lord Chancellor, in exercise of the powers conferred upon him by section 47(1) of that Act, hereby makes the following Order:

1.  This Order may be cited as the Access to Justice Act 1999 (Solicitors' Practising Certificates) Order 2002 and shall come into force on the day after the day on which it is made.

2.  In section 11(3) of the Solicitors Act 1974(2), for the words “the Society, including facilitating the acquisition of legal knowledge” substitute—

• “(a)

  the regulation, accreditation, education and training of solicitors and those wishing to become solicitors, including the maintaining and raising of their professional standards and giving advice on practice management and practical support for solicitors' practices;

  (b)

  the participation by the Law Society in law reform and the legislative process;

  (c)

  the provision by solicitors and those wishing to become solicitors of free legal services to the public;

  (d)

  the promotion of the protection by law of human rights and fundamental freedoms;

  (e)

  the promotion by the Law Society of the professional interests of solicitors through discussion with, and participation in the activities of, relevant national and international bodies, governments and the legal professions of other jurisdictions.”.

Signed by authority of the Lord Chancellor

Scotland of Asthal QC

Parliamentary Secretary,

Lord Chancellor’s Department

18th December 2002

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order amends section 11(3) of the Solicitors Act 1974 which sets out the purposes for which the Law Society may apply fees received from the issue of practising certificates. The amendment allows the Law Society to apply the fees for the purposes of the regulation, accreditation, education and training of solicitors and those wishing to become solicitors and for the other purposes set out in this Order.

(1)

1999 c. 22.

(2)

1974 c. 47.