(1)A solicitor may take security from his client for his costs, to be ascertained by [F1assessment] or otherwise, in respect of any contentious business to be done by him.
(2)If a solicitor who has been retained by a client to conduct contentious business requests the client to make a payment of a sum of money, being a reasonable sum on account of the costs incurred or to be incurred in the conduct of that business and the client refuses or fails within a reasonable time to make that payment, the refusal or failure shall be deemed to be a good cause whereby the solicitor may, upon giving reasonable notice to the client, withdraw from the retainer.
Textual Amendments
F1Word in s. 65(1) substituted (1.1.2010) by Legal Services Act 2007 (c. 29), ss. 177, 211, Sch. 16 para. 61 (with ss. 29, 192, 193); S.I. 2009/3250, art. 2(f)(ii) (with art. 9)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 65 extended (1.1.1992) by Administration of Justice Act 1985 (c. 61, SIF 34), s. 9, Sch. 2 para. 22(2); S.I. 1991/2683, art.2
S. 65 extended (22.5.2000) by S.I. 2000/1119, regs. 1, 37(3), Sch. 4 para. 7(2)
C2Ss. 64-67 applied (with modifications) (23.12.2011) by The Legal Services Act 2007 (Designation as a Licensing Authority) (No. 2) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/2866), art. 1(2), Sch. 1 paras. 1, 3, 5