Solicitors Act 1974 — United Kingdom law | Esheria

Solicitors Act 1974

Only qualified people may act as solicitors, and the Society controls admission, the roll, practising certificates, and related rules.

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Jurisdiction
United Kingdom
Instrument
Act or statute
Version
Undated source snapshot
Language
en
Official source
View official record ↗
account freezing/handling amendment history amendments borrowing and investment client agreements communications redirection costs court assessment document delivery document production extensions fund contributions investigations legal practice regulation legal services regulation professional conduct professional fees professional licensing repeals sanctions service of notices substitutions

Statute overview

About this statute

Only qualified people may act as solicitors, and the Society controls admission, the roll, practising certificates, and related rules. The Society and Tribunal have powers and duties around regulating recognised bodies, investigations, orders, notices, appeals, and penalties. Some conduct by persons subject to orders is an offence, especially undisclosed employment, managerial positions, interests in recognised bodies, false information, or destroying relevant documents. This provision says a contentious business agreement cannot excuse a solicitor from responsibility, and the court can enforce, set aside, or assess such agreements and related costs in specified cases. The Society can require documents and may seek High Court orders to get documents, search premises, redirect communications, or act on websites. Solicitors must pay annual contributions, and some must pay a special levy. Non-compliance with a document requirement can be an offence. This text lists later amendments, extensions, substitutions, and repeals affecting sections 34 to 70 of the Solicitors Act 1974.