Bid to reduce file transfer disputes
The Law Society’s Guidance & Ethics Committee has published an updated practice note on the issue of the transfer of files between solicitors.
The committee says its helpline receives a large number of queries every year seeking guidance on best practice on this issue.
Complaints
It says that disputes about the transfer of files are also common, with the Law Society’s Complaints & Client Relations section receiving a large volume of complaints on the issue from clients and solicitors.
These will now be addressed by the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA).
The committee is hoping its new note, which reflects current policy, will reduce the number of disputes and problems considerably and “ensure that the interests of the client, the first solicitor and the second solicitor are fairly balanced”.