Access to Justice Act 1999 (c. 22)

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 7 Powers of Law Society

Payment of costs by solicitor under investigation

13 In the Solicitors Act 1974, after section 44B insert—

“Costs of investigations

44C Payment of costs of investigations

Where the Society investigates possible professional misconduct by a solicitor, or 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 Council, the Council may direct him to pay to the Council an amount which—

(a) is calculated by the Council as the cost to the Society of investigating and dealing with the matter; or

(b) in the opinion of the Council represents a reasonable contribution towards that cost.”