Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010

Part 2 S Regulation of licensed legal services

Chapter 1 S Approved regulators

Approved regulators S

6 Approved regulators S

(1) For the purposes of this Part, an approved regulator is a professional or other body which is approved as such by the Scottish Ministers under section 7.

(2) That is, following an application to them by the body under subsection (3).

(3) An application to become an approved regulator must include—

(a) a copy of the applicant's proposed regulatory scheme (see section 7(1)(c)),

(b) a copy of its proposed statement of policy under section 78(1),

(c) a description of—

(i) the applicant's constitution and composition (including internal structure),

(ii) its internal governance arrangements,

(iii) its representative functions (if any),

(iv) its other activities (if any).

(4) The applicant—

(a) must provide the Scottish Ministers with such other information as they may reasonably require for their (or the Lord President's) consideration of its application,

(b) may withdraw its application at any time by giving them written notice to that effect.

(5) No more than 3 approved regulators may exist at any time.

(6) The Scottish Ministers may—

(a) with the agreement of the Lord President, and

(b) after consulting such other person or body as they consider appropriate,

by regulations amend the number specified in subsection (5).

(7) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations prescribe fees that they may charge—

(a) an applicant to become an approved regulator,

(b) approved regulators.

Commencement Information

I1 S. 6 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

7 Approval of regulators S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may approve the applicant as an approved regulator if they are satisfied that—

(a) for regulating licensed legal services providers in accordance with this Part, the applicant has—

(i) the necessary expertise as regards the provision of legal services (including as deriving from that of the persons within it),

(ii) a thorough understanding of the application of the regulatory objectives and the professional principles,

(iii) sufficient resources (financial and otherwise),

(iv) the capability in other respects,

(b) the applicant will always exercise its regulatory functions—

(i) independently of any other person or interest,

(ii) properly in other respects (in particular, with a view to achieving public confidence),

(c) the applicant's proposed regulatory scheme is adequate (as determined with particular reference to section 12),

(d) the applicant's internal governance arrangements are, or will be, suitable (as determined with particular reference to section 27).

(2) The Scottish Ministers may give their approval subject to conditions.

(3) Their approval may be given—

(a) with restrictions imposed by reference to particular categories of—

(i) licensed providers,

(ii) legal services,

(b) either—

(i) without limit of time, or

(ii) for a fixed period of at least 3 years.

(4) The Scottish Ministers may, after consulting the approved regulator, vary (including by addition or deletion) any conditions or restrictions imposed under subsection (2) or (3).

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about approval under this section, including (in particular)—

(a) the process for seeking their approval,

(b) in relation to capability to act as an approved regulator, the criteria for their approval (including things that applicants must be able to demonstrate).

(6) Before making regulations under subsection (5), the Scottish Ministers must consult the Lord President.

Commencement Information

I2 S. 7 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

8 Pre-approval consideration S

(1) Before deciding whether or not to approve the applicant as an approved regulator under section 7, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) the Lord President,

(b) the [F1 CMA], and such other organisation (appearing to them to represent the interests of consumers in Scotland) as they consider appropriate,

(c) such other person or body as they consider appropriate.

(2) In consulting under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers—

(a) must send a copy of the application to the consultees,

(b) may send a copy of any revised application to any (or all) of them.

(3) The Scottish Ministers must, with reasons, notify the applicant if they intend to—

(a) refuse to approve it as an approved regulator, or

(b) impose conditions or restrictions under section 7(2) or (3).

(4) If notification is given to the applicant under subsection (3), it has 28 days beginning with the date of the notification (or such longer period as the Scottish Ministers may allow) to—

(a) make representations to the Scottish Ministers,

(b) take such steps as it may consider expedient.

Textual Amendments

F1 Word in s. 8(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 6 para. 193; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

Commencement Information

I3 S. 8 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

9 Lord President's agreement S

(1) Despite section 7(1), the Scottish Ministers must not approve the applicant as an approved regulator unless the Lord President agrees to its being approved as such.

(2) The Scottish Ministers are to impose under section 7(2) such particular conditions relating to the expertise mentioned in section 7(1)(a)(i) as are reasonably sought by the Lord President when (and if) notifying them of the Lord President's agreement for the purpose of subsection (1).

(3) The Lord President's agreement is required for—

(a) the imposition of any—

(i) conditions under section 7(2) (apart from conditions to which subsection (2) relates),

(ii) restrictions under section 7(3),

(b) the variation of any such conditions or restrictions under section 7(4).

Commencement Information

I4 S. 9 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

10 Authorisation to act S

(1) An approved regulator may not exercise any of its regulatory functions unless it is authorised to do so by the Scottish Ministers under this section.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may give their authorisation if they are satisfied (or continue to be satisfied)—

(a) as mentioned in subsection (1) of section 7,

(b) as regards any criteria provided for under subsection (5)(b) of that section.

(3) Their authorisation may be given with restrictions imposed by reference to particular categories of—

(a) licensed provider,

(b) legal services.

(4) Their authorisation may be given—

(a) either—

(i) without limit of time, or

(ii) for a fixed period of at least 3 years,

(b) subject to conditions.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may, after consulting the approved regulator, vary (including by addition or deletion) any restrictions or conditions imposed under subsection (3) or (4)(b).

(6) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about authorisation under this section including (in particular) the process for requests for their authorisation.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 10(1) in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I6 S. 10(2)-(6) in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I7 S. 10(2)-(6) in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

11 Request for authorisation S

(1) A request for authorisation under section 10 may be—

(a) made at any reasonable time (including at the same time as applying for approval under section 7),

(b) withdrawn by the approved regulator (or applicant) at any time by giving the Scottish Ministers written notice to that effect.

(2) The Scottish Ministers must, with reasons, notify the approved regulator (or applicant) if they intend to—

(a) withhold their authorisation, or

(b) impose conditions under section 10(4)(b).

(3) If notification is given to the approved regulator (or applicant) under subsection (2), it has 28 days beginning with the date of the notification (or such longer period as the Scottish Ministers may allow) to—

(a) make representations to the Scottish Ministers,

(b) take such steps as it may consider expedient.

(4) The approved regulator (or applicant) must provide the Scottish Ministers with such information as they may reasonably require for their consideration of its request for their authorisation.

(5) In section 10 and this section, a reference to authorisation means initial or renewed authorisation.

Commencement Information

I8 S. 11 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Regulatory schemes S

12 Regulatory schemes S

(1) An approved regulator must—

(a) make a regulatory scheme for licensing and regulating the provision of legal services by its licensed legal services providers, and

(b) apply the scheme in relation to them.

(2) The regulatory scheme is to—

(a) contain—

(i) the licensing rules (see section 14),

(ii) the practice rules (see section 18),

(iii) the compensation rules (see sections 25 and 26(1)),

(b) include provision for reconciling different sets of regulatory rules (see section 13),

(c) cover such other regulatory matters as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations specify (and in such manner as the regulations may specify).

(3) The regulatory scheme may—

(a) relate to—

(i) one or more categories of licensed provider,

(ii) some or all legal services,

(b) make different provision for different cases or types of case.

(4) An approved regulator may amend its regulatory scheme (or any aspect of it), but—

(a) any material amendment is invalid unless it has the prior approval of the Scottish Ministers,

(b) the Scottish Ministers may not give their approval without—

(i) the Lord President's agreement, and

(ii) consulting such other person or body as they consider appropriate.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) confer authority for the regulatory schemes of approved regulators to deal with the provision by their licensed providers of such other services (in addition to legal services) as the regulations may prescribe, and

(b) specify the extent to which (and the manner in which) the regulatory schemes may do so.

Commencement Information

I9 S. 12 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

13 Reconciling different rules S

(1) The provision required by section 12(2)(b) to be in the regulatory scheme is such provision as is reasonably practicable (and appropriate in the circumstances) for—

(a) preventing or resolving regulatory conflicts, and

(b) avoiding unnecessary duplication of regulatory rules.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a regulatory conflict is a conflict between—

(a) the regulatory scheme of an approved regulator, and

(b) any professional or regulatory rules made by any other body which regulates the provision of legal or other services.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about regulatory conflicts (such as may involve an approved regulator).

(4) Before making regulations under subsection (3), the Scottish Ministers must have the Lord President's agreement.

Commencement Information

I10 S. 13 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Licensing rules S

14 Licensing rules: general S

(1) For the purposes of this Part, the licensing rules are rules about—

(a) the procedure for becoming a licensed provider, including (in particular)—

(i) the making of applications,

(ii) the criteria to be met by applicants,

(iii) the determination of applications,

(iv) the issuing of licences,

(b) the terms of licences and attaching to licences of conditions or restrictions,

(c) the—

(i) renewal of licences,

(ii) circumstances in which licences may be revoked or suspended,

(d) licensing provision affecting non-solicitor investors in licensed providers,

(e) licensing fees that are chargeable by the approved regulator.

(2) Rules made in pursuance of subsection (1)(a) to (c) must allow for review by the approved regulator of any decision made by it under the rules that materially affects an applicant for a licence or (as the case may be) a licensed provider.

(3) Licensing rules may include such further licensing arrangements as to licensed providers for which provision is (in the approved regulator's opinion) necessary or expedient.

(4) See also sections 55(6)(b), 57(4), 62(2), 63(3) and 67(2)(b) and paragraph 4(2) of schedule 8 (as well as sections 15 and 16).

Commencement Information

I11 S. 14 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

15 Initial considerations S

(1) Licensing rules must provide for—

(a) consultation with the [F2 CMA], where appropriate in accordance with subsection (2), in relation to a licence application,

(b) how the approved regulator is to deal with a licence application where it believes that granting it would cause (directly or indirectly) a material and adverse effect on the provision of legal services.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1)(a), it is appropriate to consult the [F2 CMA] where the approved regulator believes that the granting of the licence application may have the effect of—

(a) preventing competition within the legal services market, or

(b) significantly restricting or distorting such competition.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in s. 15(1)(2) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 6 para. 194; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

Commencement Information

I12 S. 15 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

16 Other licensing rules S

(1) Licensing rules may allow for—

(a) an applicant to be issued with a provisional licence—

(i) in anticipation of its becoming (or becoming eligible to be) a licensed provider, and

(ii) whose full effect as a licence is conditional on its becoming a licensed provider (and such other relevant matters as the rules may specify), or

(b) a licensed provider to be issued with a provisional licence—

(i) in anticipation of its transferring to the regulation of the approved regulator, and

(ii) whose full effect as a licence is conditional on the transfer occurring (and such other relevant matters as the rules may specify).

(2) Licensing rules must—

(a) state that a licence application may be refused on the ground that the applicant appears to be incapable (for any reason) of complying with the regulatory scheme,

(b) provide for grounds for non-renewal, revocation or suspension of a licence where the licensed provider is breaching (or has breached) the regulatory scheme.

Commencement Information

I13 S. 16 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

17 Licensing appeals S

(1) An applicant for a licence or (as the case may be) a licensed provider may appeal against a relevant licensing decision taken by virtue of this Part—

(a) to the sheriff,

(b) within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which that decision is intimated to it.

(2) A relevant licensing decision is a decision to—

(a) refuse the licensed provider's application for—

(i) a licence, or

(ii) renewal of its licence,

(b) attach conditions or restrictions to its licence, or

(c) revoke or suspend its licence.

Commencement Information

I14 S. 17 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Practice rules S

18 Practice rules: general S

(1) For the purposes of this Part, the practice rules are rules about—

(a) the—

(i) operation and administration of licensed providers,

(ii) standards to be met by licensed providers,

(b) the operational positions within licensed providers,

(c) accounting and auditing (see section 22),

(d) professional indemnity (see section 23),

(e) the making and handling of any complaint about—

(i) a licensed provider,

(ii) a designated or other person within a licensed provider,

(f) the measures that may be taken by the approved regulator, in relation to a licensed provider, if—

(i) there is a breach of the regulatory scheme, or

(ii) a complaint referred to in paragraph (e) is upheld.

(2) Rules made in pursuance of subsection (1)(f) must allow a licensed provider to make representations to the approved regulator before it takes any of the measures available to it under the rules.

(3) Practice rules may include such further arrangements as to the professional practice, conduct or discipline of licensed providers for which provision is (in the approved regulator's opinion) necessary or expedient.

(4) See also sections 55(6)(a), 57(5) and 65(4) (as well as sections 19 to 23).

Commencement Information

I15 S. 18 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

19 Financial sanctions S

(1) Practice rules made in pursuance of section 18(1)(f) may provide for the imposition of a financial penalty.

(2) A financial penalty provided for by virtue of subsection (1) must not exceed the maximum amount permitted by the Scottish Ministers when giving their approval under section 7.

(3) A financial penalty imposed by virtue of this section is payable to the Scottish Ministers (but the approved regulator may collect it on their behalf).

(4) A licensed provider may appeal against a financial penalty (or the amount of a financial penalty) imposed on it by virtue of this section—

(a) to the sheriff,

(b) within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the penalty is intimated to it.

(5) Where an appeal is made under subsection (4), no part of the penalty requires to be paid before the appeal is determined or withdrawn.

Commencement Information

I16 S. 19 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

20 Enforcement of duties S

(1) Practice rules must include provision that it is a breach of the regulatory scheme for a licensed provider to—

(a) fail to comply with section 50, or

(b) fail to comply with its—

(i) other duties under this Part, or

(ii) duties under any other enactment specified in the scheme.

(2) Practice rules must require a licensed provider to—

(a) review and report on its performance (see section 21), and

(b) have its performance and that report assessed by the approved regulator.

Commencement Information

I17 S. 20 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

21 Performance report S

(1) Practice rules made by reference to section 20(2)(a) are (in particular) to give the Head of Practice of a licensed provider the functions of—

(a) carrying out an annual review, and

(b) sending a report (in a specified form) on the review to the approved regulator.

(2) The review must include an examination of—

(a) the licensed provider's compliance with section 50(1), and

(b) the involvement of any non-solicitor investors in the licensed provider.

(3) Practice rules made by reference to section 20(2)(b) may describe the approved regulator's functions under section 31.

Commencement Information

I18 S. 21 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

22 Accounting and auditing S

Practice rules must—

(a) require licensed providers to keep in place proper accounting and auditing procedures,

(b) include provision corresponding to that applying under sections 35 to 37 (accounts rules) of the 1980 Act in relation to an incorporated practice.

Commencement Information

I19 S. 22 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

23 Professional indemnity S

Practice rules must—

(a) require licensed providers to keep in place sufficient arrangements for professional indemnity,

(b) include provision corresponding to that applying under section 44 (professional indemnity) of the 1980 Act in relation to an incorporated practice.

Commencement Information

I20 S. 23 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Compensation arrangements S

24 Choice of arrangements S

(1) An approved regulator must proceed with either option A or option B as regards a compensation fund from which to make good such relevant losses as may be suffered by reason of dishonesty on the part of its licensed legal services providers.

(2) Option A is for the approved regulator to maintain its own compensation fund (separate from the Guarantee Fund) in relation to its licensed providers.

(3) If option A is proceeded with, the compensation fund is to be—

(a) held by the approved regulator for such purpose as corresponds to the purpose for which the Guarantee Fund is held under section 43(2)(c) of the 1980 Act in relation to licensed providers,

(b) administered by it in such way as corresponds to the administration of the Guarantee Fund in accordance with section 43(3) to (7) of, and Part I of Schedule 3 to, the 1980 Act (so far as applicable in relation to licensed providers).

(4) Option B is for the approved regulator, by not maintaining its own compensation fund as mentioned in option A, to cause the Guarantee Fund to be administered as respects its licensed providers.

(5) For the purpose of option B, see section 43(2)(c) to (8) of, and Part I of Schedule 3 to, the 1980 Act.

(6) As soon as it has decided which of options A and B to proceed with, the approved regulator (where not the Law Society) must inform the Law Society of its decision.

Commencement Information

I21 S. 24 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

25 Compensation rules: general S

(1) For the purposes of this Part, the compensation rules are rules in pursuance of (as the case may be)—

(a) option A in section 24, or

(b) option B in that section.

(2) In pursuance of option A, the rules must—

(a) state—

(i) the purpose of the approved regulator's compensation fund,

(ii) as a minimum, the monetary amount to be contained in that fund,

(b) describe the way in which that fund is to be administered by the approved regulator,

(c) specify the criteria for qualifying for payment out of that fund,

(d) provide for the procedure for—

(i) making claims for such payment,

(ii) determining such claims,

(e) require the making of contributions to that fund by a licensed provider in accordance with the relevant scale of annual contributions fixed by virtue of section 24(3)(b),

(f) make provision for the destination (or distribution) of that fund in the event that the approved regulator ceases to operate.

(3) In pursuance of option B, the rules must require the making of contributions to the Guarantee Fund by a licensed provider in accordance with the relevant scale of annual contributions fixed under paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 3 to the 1980 Act.

Commencement Information

I22 S. 25 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

26 More about compensation arrangements S

(1) Compensation rules may include such further compensation arrangements as to licensed providers for which provision is (in the approved regulator's opinion) necessary or expedient.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about compensation arrangements as to licensed providers, including (in particular)—

(a) for the content of compensation rules,

(b) in connection with a compensation fund, for functions of approved regulators and licensed providers.

(3) In sections 24 and 25 and this section, the references to the Guarantee Fund are to the Scottish Solicitors Guarantee Fund (which is vested in the Law Society under section 43(1) of the 1980 Act).

Commencement Information

I23 S. 26 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Internal governance S

27 Internal governance arrangements S

(1) The internal governance arrangements of an approved regulator must incorporate such provision as is necessary with a view to ensuring that the approved regulator will—

(a) always exercise its regulatory functions—

(i) independently of any other person or interest,

(ii) properly in other respects (in particular, with a view to achieving public confidence),

(b) continue to allocate sufficient resources (financial and otherwise) to the exercise of its regulatory functions,

(c) review regularly how effectively it is exercising its regulatory functions (in particular, by reviewing the effectiveness of its regulatory scheme).

(2) In relation to an approved regulator which has representative functions, relevant factors in connection with subsection (1)(a) include (in particular) the need for—

(a) the approved regulator's code of conduct (if any) for its members to be compatible with the regulatory objectives and the professional principles,

(b) the approved regulator to—

(i) exercise its regulatory functions separately from its other functions (in particular, any representative functions), and

(ii) avoid conflicts of interest in relation to its regulatory functions,

(c) the approved regulator to secure that a reasonable proportion of the individuals who are responsible for the exercise of its regulatory functions are not qualified legal practitioners.

(3) The approved regulator's regard to the factor mentioned in subsection (2)(b) is demonstrable by (for example) its securing that within its structure its regulatory functions are clearly demarcated.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 27 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

28 Communicating outside S

(1) The internal governance arrangements of an approved regulator must not, in relation to the persons who are involved in the exercise of its regulatory functions, prevent the persons from engaging in consultation or other communication with—

(a) other approved regulators,

(b) the Scottish Ministers,

(c) the Scottish Legal Aid Board,

(d) the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission, or

(e) the [F3 CMA], or any other public body which has functions concerning the application of competition law.

(2) Where an approved regulator has representative functions, its internal governance arrangements must not, in relation to any person who—

(a) is involved in the exercise of its regulatory functions, and

(b) considers that the independence or effectiveness of the approved regulator's exercise of its regulatory functions is being (or has been) for any reason adversely affected by the furtherance of its representative functions,

prevent the person from notifying the Scottish Ministers accordingly.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) are subject to any overriding prohibition or restriction arising by virtue of any relevant—

(a) enactment or rule of law, or

(b) rule of professional conduct or ethics.

Textual Amendments

F3 Word in s. 28(1)(e) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 6 para. 195; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

Commencement Information

I25 S. 28 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

29 More about governance S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about the internal governance arrangements of approved regulators.

(2) However, regulations under subsection (1) must relate to the regulatory functions of approved regulators.

(3) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) have the Lord President's agreement, and

(b) consult any approved regulator that would be affected by the regulations.

(4) For the purposes of this Part, the internal governance arrangements of an approved regulator are its own organisational and operational arrangements for the carrying out of its activities.

Commencement Information

I26 S. 29 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Regulatory functions etc. S

30 Regulatory and representative functions S

(1) For the purposes of this Part, the regulatory functions of an approved regulator are the approved regulator's functions of regulating its licensed legal services providers including (in particular) its functions—

(a) in relation to its regulatory scheme,

(b) under section 31.

(2) For the purposes of this Part, the representative functions of an approved regulator are any functions that the approved regulator has, in that or any other capacity, of representing or promoting the interests of the individual persons (taken collectively or otherwise) who form its membership.

(3) Nothing in this Part permits the Scottish Ministers to interfere with an approved regulator's representative functions (but this does not prevent the Scottish Ministers from taking such action under this Part as they consider appropriate for the purpose of ensuring that an approved regulator's regulatory functions are not prejudiced by its representative functions).

Commencement Information

I27 S. 30 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

31 Assessment of licensed providers S

(1) An approved regulator must assess the performance of each of its licensed providers at least once in every successive period of 3 years from (in each case) the date on which the approved regulator issued the licensed provider with its licence.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may require an approved regulator to carry out a special assessment of a licensed provider if the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission requests that they do so in a case where the Commission has significant concerns about how a complaint about a licensed provider has been dealt with.

(3) An assessment under this section must (in particular) concern—

(a) the licensed provider's compliance with section 50(1), and

(b) such other matters as the approved regulator considers appropriate.

(4) When conducting the assessment, the approved regulator may—

(a) require from the licensed provider the production of any—

(i) relevant documents,

(ii) other relevant information,

(b) interview any person within the licensed provider.

(5) The approved regulator must—

(a) prepare a report on the assessment, and

(b) send a copy of the report to the licensed provider (and, if the assessment was required under subsection (2), also send one to the Scottish Ministers and the Commission).

(6) Before finalising the report, the approved regulator must—

(a) send a draft of the report to the licensed provider, and

(b) give it a reasonable opportunity to make representations about—

(i) the findings of the assessment, and

(ii) any recommendations contained in the report.

(7) If the assessment discloses (or appears to disclose) any professional misconduct by a member of a professional association, the approved regulator must notify that association accordingly.

(8) An approved regulator may delegate any of its functions under this section to any suitable person or body.

(9) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about the assessment of licensed providers.

Commencement Information

I28 S. 31 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I29 S. 31 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Relationship with other bodies S

32 Giving information to SLAB S

(1) An approved regulator must provide the Scottish Legal Aid Board with such information as the Board may reasonably require for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2).

(2) The purpose is the Board's exercise of its function under section 1(2A) of the 1986 Act.

Commencement Information

I30 S. 32 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

33 Reporting to Law Society S

(1) This section applies in relation to any licensed legal services provider (whose approved regulator is not the Law Society) that is required, by compensation rules made by reference to section 25(3), to make contributions to the Guarantee Fund.

(2) The approved regulator must report to the Law Society any—

(a) breach of the regulatory scheme by the licensed provider that the approved regulator discovers as regards the procedures arising under practice rules made by reference to section 22,

(b) suspicion held by the approved regulator that there is engagement in such financial impropriety as may (in the approved regulator's opinion) give rise to the risk of a claim being made on the Guarantee Fund.

(3) The approved regulator must make available to the Law Society any report prepared by the approved regulator about an inspection carried out by it as regards compliance with—

(a) the procedures arising under practice rules made by reference to section 22,

(b) any other financial procedure as regards which the approved regulator has functions under this Part.

(4) The approved regulator must inform the Law Society of any further action that it intends to take (or has taken) in relation to any of the matters mentioned in subsections (2) and (3).

(5) In this section and section 34, the references to the Guarantee Fund are to it as defined in section 26(3).

Commencement Information

I31 S. 33 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

34 Steps open to Society S

(1) Where—

(a) section 33 applies, and

(b) the Law Society suspects that the approved regulator is failing to enforce under this Part any financial procedure to which that section relates,

the Society may refer the circumstances to the Scottish Ministers.

(2) But the Society may make a referral under subsection (1) only if—

(a) it has made representations to the approved regulator in respect of its suspicion, and

(b) in light of any response to them (or where none is received timeously), its suspicion is not relieved.

(3) In a referral under subsection (1), the Society may—

(a) request that the Scottish Ministers take such action under this Part as they consider appropriate,

(b) seek their consent to the Society's taking of the step mentioned in subsection (5).

(4) That consent may be—

(a) sought only if the Society suspects that the suspected failure may be facilitating to any extent engagement in such financial impropriety as may (in the Society's opinion) give rise to the risk of a claim being made on the Guarantee Fund,

(b) given only if the Scottish Ministers are satisfied (on information provided by the Society) that—

(i) the Society's suspicions are reasonable, and

(ii) it is necessary (by way of investigation) that the step be taken.

(5) The step is that the Society inspect, at the licensed provider's premises, any document, record or other information (in any form) found there which—

(a) relates to—

(i) the licensed provider's client account, or

(ii) any other financial account held by it, and

(b) is relevant in relation to any financial procedure to which section 33 relates.

Commencement Information

I32 S. 34 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

35 Financial inspection by Society S

(1) If the relevant consent is given under subsection (4)(b) of section 34, the Law Society may take the step mentioned in subsection (5) of that section.

(2) The licensed provider must co-operate with the Society in connection with the taking of the step.

(3) But the Society does not have authority to take the step (or enter the premises) unless the Society has—

(a) consulted the approved regulator about the taking of it, and

(b) given the licensed provider at least 48 hours notice of the taking of it.

(4) Following the taking of the step, the Society—

(a) must report its findings to—

(i) the approved regulator, and

(ii) the Scottish Ministers,

(b) in the report to the Scottish Ministers, may request that they take such action (or further action) under this Part as they consider appropriate.

(5) In this section, the references to taking the step mentioned in section 34(5) are to its being taken by the Society's representatives as appointed for the purpose of this section.

Commencement Information

I33 S. 35 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Performance and measures S

36 Review of own performance S

(1) An approved regulator must review annually its performance.

(2) In particular, a review is to cover the following matters—

(a) the approved regulator's compliance with section 77,

(b) the exercise of its regulatory functions,

(c) the operation of its internal governance arrangements,

(d) its compliance with any measures applying to it by virtue of section 38(4)(a) or (b).

(3) The approved regulator must send a report on the review to the Scottish Ministers.

(4) The report must contain a copy of the approved regulator's annual accounts (but only so far as they are relevant in connection with its functions under this Part).

(5) The Scottish Ministers must lay a copy of the report before the Scottish Parliament.

(6) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about—

(a) the review of approved regulators' performance,

(b) reports on reviews of their performance.

Commencement Information

I34 S. 36 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

37 Monitoring by Ministers S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may monitor the performance of approved regulators in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(2) Monitoring the performance of an approved regulator includes (in particular) doing so by reference to—

(a) its compliance with section 77,

(b) the exercise of its regulatory functions,

(c) the operation of its internal governance arrangements,

(d) its compliance with any measures applying to it by virtue of section 38(4)(a) or (b).

(3) An approved regulator must—

(a) provide such information about its performance in relation to its regulatory scheme as the Scottish Ministers may reasonably request,

(b) do so within 21 days beginning with the date of the request (or such longer period as the Scottish Ministers may allow).

Commencement Information

I35 S. 37 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

38 Measures open to Ministers S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may, in relation to an approved regulator, take one or more of the measures mentioned in subsection (4) if they consider that to be appropriate in the circumstances of the case.

(2) When considering the appropriateness of taking any of those measures, or a combination of them, the Scottish Ministers must (except in the case of a measure mentioned in paragraph (f) of that subsection) have particular regard to the effect that it may have on the approved regulator's observance of the regulatory objectives.

(3) Schedules 1 to 6 (to which subsection (1) is subject) respectively make provision concerning the measures mentioned in subsection (4).

(4) The measures are—

(a) setting performance targets,

(b) directing that action be taken,

(c) publishing a statement of censure,

(d) imposing a financial penalty,

(e) amending an authorisation given under section 10,

(f) rescinding an authorisation given under that section.

(5) The rescission of an authorisation by virtue of subsection (4)(f) has the effect of terminating the associated approval (of the approved regulator) given under section 7, except where it is stated under paragraph 5(3)(b) of schedule 6 that the approval is preserved.

(6) The Lord President's agreement is required for the taking of any of the measures mentioned in subsection (4) except paragraph (d).

(7) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) specify other measures that may be taken by them,

(b) make further provision about the measures that they may take (including for the procedures to be followed),

in relation to approved regulators.

(8) Before making regulations under subsection (7), the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) have the Lord President's agreement, and

(b) consult every approved regulator.

Commencement Information

I36 S. 38 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I37 S. 38 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Ceasing to regulate S

39 Surrender of authorisation S

(1) An approved regulator may, with the prior agreement of the Scottish Ministers, surrender the authorisation given to it under section 10.

(2) Schedule 7 (to which subsection (1) is subject) makes provision concerning the surrender of such an authorisation.

(3) An approved regulator must take all reasonable steps to ensure that the effective regulation of its licensed providers is not interrupted by the surrender of such an authorisation.

(4) The surrender of an authorisation by virtue of subsection (1) has the effect of terminating the associated approval (of the approved regulator) given under section 7.

Commencement Information

I38 S. 39 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

40 Cessation directions S

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an approved regulator amends its regulatory scheme so as to exclude the regulation of particular categories of licensed providers or legal services, or

(b) the authorisation of an approved regulator is to be (or has been)—

(i) amended by virtue of section 38(4)(e) so as to exclude the regulation of certain categories of licensed providers or legal services,

(ii) rescinded by virtue of section 38(4)(f), or

(iii) surrendered by virtue of section 39(1).

(2) The Scottish Ministers may direct the approved regulator to take specified action (or refrain from doing something) if they consider that to be necessary or expedient for the continued effective regulation of a licensed provider.

(3) The approved regulator must (so far as practicable) comply with a direction given to it under subsection (2).

(4) For the purposes of this section, a reference to an approved regulator includes (as the context requires) a former approved regulator.

Commencement Information

I39 S. 40 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

41 Transfer arrangements S

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an approved regulator has amended its regulatory scheme so as to exclude the regulation of particular categories of licensed provider or legal services,

(b) the authorisation of an approved regulator is to be (or has been)—

(i) amended by virtue of section 38(4)(e) so as to exclude the regulation of particular categories of licensed provider or legal services,

(ii) rescinded by virtue of section 38(4)(f), or

(iii) surrendered by virtue of section 39(1), or

(c) the approved regulator is otherwise unable to continue to regulate some or all of its licensed providers.

(2) The approved regulator must (as soon as reasonably practicable)—

(a) notify each of its licensed providers of the relevant situation within subsection (1),

(b) do so by reference to any effective date.

(3) A notification under subsection (2) must inform each licensed provider as to whether it requires, in consequence of the relevant situation, to transfer to the regulation of a different approved regulator (a “new regulator”) from the one which issued its current licence (the “current regulator”).

(4) Each licensed provider that is so required to transfer to a new regulator must––

(a) within 28 days beginning with the date of the notification, or failing which as soon as practicable, take all reasonable steps so as to transfer to the regulation of a new regulator, and

(b) where it does so transfer, take (as soon as practicable) such steps as are necessary to ensure that it complies with the new regulator's regulatory scheme before the end of the changeover period.

(5) For the purpose of subsection (4)(b), the changeover period is the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which the new regulator takes over the regulation of the licensed provider.

(6) On the coming into effect of a licence issued to the licensed provider by a new regulator, the licence issued to it by the current regulator ceases to have effect.

Commencement Information

I40 S. 41 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

42 Extra arrangements S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision in connection with section 41 as to the arrangements for the transfer of licensed providers to the regulation of a different approved regulator (a “new regulator”).

(2) Regulations under subsection (1) may (in particular)—

(a) provide for a licensed provider which has not transferred to the regulation of a new regulator to be regulated by such new regulator as may be appointed by the Scottish Ministers with the new regulator's consent,

(b) provide for the Scottish Ministers to recover on behalf of the new regulator, or a licensed provider, any fee (or a part of it) paid by the licensed provider to the former approved regulator in connection with the licensed provider's current licence.

Commencement Information

I41 S. 42 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Change of regulator S

43 Change of approved regulator S

(1) A licensed legal services provider may transfer voluntarily to the regulation of a different approved regulator (a “new regulator”) from the one which issued its current licence (the “current regulator”).

(2) But the transfer requires the new regulator's written consent (and its agreement to issue the licensed provider with a licence having effect from the date on which the transfer is to occur).

(3) Where a licensed provider wishes to do so, it must—

(a) give a notice which complies with subsection (4) to—

(i) the current regulator, and

(ii) the Scottish Ministers, and

(b) provide such further information as may reasonably be required by either of them.

(4) A notice complies with this subsection if it—

(a) explains why the licensed provider wishes to transfer to the regulation of a new regulator,

(b) specifies—

(i) the new regulator,

(ii) the date on which the transfer is to occur (which must be within 28 days of the date of the notice), and

(c) is accompanied by a copy of the new regulator's written consent to the transfer.

(5) On the coming into effect of a licence issued to the licensed provider by a new regulator, the licence issued to it by the current regulator ceases to have effect.

(6) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about the transfer by a licensed provider to the regulation of a new regulator.

Commencement Information

I42 S. 43 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I43 S. 43 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

44 Step-in by Ministers S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision which establishes a body with a view to its becoming an approved regulator.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision which allows them to act as an approved regulator in such circumstances as the regulations may prescribe.

(3) Regulations under subsection (2) may provide for this Part to apply with or subject to such modifications as the regulations may specify.

(4) No regulations are to be made under subsection (1) or (2)—

(a) without the Lord President's agreement, and

(b) unless the Scottish Ministers believe that their intervention under this section is necessary, as a last resort, in order to ensure that the provision of legal services by licensed providers is regulated effectively.

Commencement Information

I44 S. 44 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Additional functions etc. S

45 Additional powers and duties S

(1) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make provision conferring on approved regulators such additional functions as they consider appropriate for the purposes of this Part.

(2) Before making regulations under subsection (1), the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) have the Lord President's agreement, and

(b) consult—

(i) every approved regulator,

(ii) such other person or body as they consider appropriate.

Commencement Information

I45 S. 45 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

46 Guidance on functions S

(1) In exercising its functions under this Part, an approved regulator must have regard to any guidance issued (to approved regulators generally) by the Scottish Ministers for the purposes of or in connection with this Part.

(2) Before issuing such guidance, the Scottish Ministers must consult—

(a) every approved regulator,

(b) such other person or body as they consider appropriate.

(3) The Scottish Ministers must publish any such guidance as issued (or re-issued).

Commencement Information

I46 S. 46 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Chapter 2 S Licensed legal services providers

Licensed providers S

47 Licensed providers S

(1) For the purposes of this Part, a licensed legal services provider is a business entity which, through the designated and other persons within it—

(a) provides (or offers to provide) legal services—

(i) to the general public or otherwise, and

(ii) for a fee, gain or reward, and

(b) does so under a licence issued by an approved regulator in accordance with the approved regulator's licensing rules.

(2) An entity is eligible to be a licensed provider only if it has within it, for the provision of legal services, at least one solicitor who holds a valid practising certificate that is free of conditions (such as may be imposed under section 15(1)(b) or 53(5) of the 1980 Act).

(3) A licensed provider may not be regulated by more than one approved regulator at the same time.

(4) In this Part, a reference to a licensed provider is to a licensed legal services provider.

Commencement Information

I47 S. 47 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

48 Eligibility criteria S

(1) This section—

(a) applies for the purposes of licensing an entity as a licensed legal services provider under this Part,

(b) does so in conjunction with section 49.

(2) The following are examples of arrangements which would make an entity eligible to be a licensed provider—

(a) the entity has within it—

(i) at least one solicitor as mentioned in section 47(2), and

(ii) at least one individual practitioner of another type,

for the carrying out of the sort of legal work for which each is qualified,

(b) the entity has within it at least one solicitor as mentioned in section 47(2) but, through also having within it at least one person who is not a solicitor or other type of individual practitioner, additionally provides (or offers to provide)—

(i) other professional services, or

(ii) services of another kind,

(c) the entity has within it at least one solicitor as mentioned in section 47(2) but not every person who has ownership or control of the entity, or another material interest in it, is a solicitor (or a firm of solicitors) or an incorporated practice.

(3) But an entity, to be eligible to be a licensed provider—

(a) need not be a body corporate or a partnership,

(b) requires, if it falls—

(i) under the ownership or control of another entity, or

(ii) within the structure of another entity,

to be a separate part of the other entity or otherwise distinct from it.

(4) For the avoidance of doubt, an entity is not eligible to be a licensed provider if it—

(a) consists of—

(i) a single solicitor practising under the solicitor's own name, or

(ii) a solicitor otherwise practising as a sole practitioner,

(b) is a firm of solicitors or an incorporated practice, or

(c) is a law centre as defined in section 65(1) of the 1980 Act.

(5) In subsection (2)(a)(ii) and (b), a type of “individual practitioner” (apart from a solicitor) is—

(a) an advocate,

(b) a conveyancing or executry practitioner,

(c) a litigation practitioner, or

(d) a confirmation agent or will writer within the meaning of Part 3.

(6) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) make—

(i) provision specifying other categories of entity that are, or are not, eligible to be a licensed provider,

(ii) further provision about criteria for eligibility to be a licensed provider,

(b) modify—

(i) section 47(2) so as to specify an additional type of legally qualified person (as an alternative to a solicitor as mentioned there),

(ii) subsection (5) so as to add a type of legal practitioner to the list there.

(7) Before making regulations under subsection (6)(b), the Scottish Ministers must consult every approved regulator.

Commencement Information

I48 S. 48 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I49 S. 48 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

49 Majority ownership S

(1) An entity is eligible to be a licensed provider only if the qualifying investors in it (taken together) have at least a 51% stake in the total ownership or control of the entity.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), a “qualifying investor” is—

(a) a solicitor investor, or

(b) an investor who is a member of another regulated profession.

(3) In subsection (2)(b), a “regulated profession” is a profession the professional activities of whose members (and qualifications for membership of which) are, under statutory or administrative arrangements, regulated by a professional association.

(4) Despite the generality of subsections (2)(b) and (3), the Scottish Ministers—

(a) are by regulations to specify in connection with those subsections what is, or is not, to be regarded as a regulated profession,

(b) may by regulations specify in connection with those subsections what is, or is not, to be regarded as a professional association, professional activities (or qualifications) or membership of a profession.

(5) Before making regulations under subsection (4), the Scottish Ministers must—

(a) have the Lord President's agreement, and

(b) consult—

(i) the Law Society,

(ii) every approved regulator,

(iii) the [F4 CMA], and such other organisation (appearing to them to represent the interests of consumers in Scotland) as they consider appropriate,

(iv) such other person or body as they consider appropriate.

Textual Amendments

F4 Word in s. 49(5)(b)(iii) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 6 para. 196; S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

Commencement Information

I50 S. 49 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I51 S. 49 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Key duties and positions S

50 Key duties S

(1) A licensed legal services provider must—

(a) have regard to the regulatory objectives,

(b) adhere to the professional principles,

(c) comply with—

(i) its approved regulator's regulatory scheme,

(ii) the terms and conditions of its licence.

(2) A licensed provider must seek to ensure that every designated or other person who is—

(a) within the licensed provider, and

(b) subject to a professional code of conduct,

complies with the code of conduct.

(3) A licensed provider must have within it—

(a) a Head of Legal Services (see section 51), and

(b) either—

(i) a Head of Practice (see section 52), or

(ii) a Practice Committee (see section 53).

(4) A licensed provider must ensure that the following positions are not left unoccupied—

(a) that of its Head of Legal Services, and

(b) that (as the case may be)—

(i) of its Head of Practice, or

(ii) within its Practice Committee by virtue of section 53(3).

(5) However, the same person may (at the same time) be a licensed provider's Head of Legal Services and also its Head of Practice.

Commencement Information

I52 S. 50 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

51 Head of Legal Services S

(1) It is for a licensed provider to make such administrative arrangements as it considers appropriate in respect of its Head of Legal Services.

(2) A person is eligible for appointment (and to act) as its Head of Legal Services only if the person is a solicitor who holds a valid practising certificate that is free of conditions (such as may be imposed under section 15(1)(b) or 53(5) of the 1980 Act).

(3) But a person becomes disqualified from that position if the person is disqualified from practice as a solicitor by reason of having been—

(a) struck off (or removed from) the roll of solicitors, or

(b) suspended from practice.

(4) A Head of Legal Services has the function of securing the licensed provider's—

(a) compliance with section 50(1)(a) and (b),

(b) fulfilment of its other duties under this Part so far as relevant in connection with its provision of legal services.

(5) A Head of Legal Services is to manage the designated persons within the licensed provider with a view to ensuring that they—

(a) have regard to the Head's function under subsection (4),

(b) adhere to the professional principles,

(c) meet their professional obligations.

(6) A Head of Legal Services is to take such reasonable steps as may be required for the purposes of subsection (4).

(7) If it appears to a Head of Legal Services that the licensed provider is failing (or has failed) to fulfil any of its duties under this Part or another enactment, the Head is to report that fact to the Head of Practice.

(8) Where (and to the extent that) under this section and section 52 a function falls to both—

(a) a Head of Legal Services, and

(b) a Head of Practice,

they are jointly and severally responsible for exercising the function.

(9) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) make further provision about—

(i) Heads of Legal Services,

(ii) the functions of such Heads (in their capacity as such),

(b) modify subsection (2) so as to specify an additional type of legally qualified person (as an alternative to a solicitor as mentioned there).

(10) Before making regulations under subsection (9), the Scottish Ministers must consult the Lord President.

Commencement Information

I53 S. 51 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I54 S. 51 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

52 Head of Practice S

(1) It is for a licensed provider to make such administrative arrangements as it considers appropriate in respect of its Head of Practice.

(2) A person is eligible for appointment (and to act) as its Head of Practice only if the person—

(a) has such qualifications, expertise and experience as are reasonably required, and

(b) in other respects, is fit and proper for the position.

(3) A Head of Practice has the function of securing the licensed provider's—

(a) compliance with section 50(1)(c),

(b) fulfilment of its other duties under this Part.

(4) A Head of Practice is to manage the designated and other persons within the licensed provider with a view to ensuring that they—

(a) have regard to the Head's functions under this Part,

(b) meet any professional obligations to which they are subject.

(5) A Head of Practice is to take such reasonable steps as may be required for the purposes of subsection (3).

(6) If it appears to a Head of Practice that—

(a) the licensed provider is failing (or has failed) to fulfil any of its duties under this Part or another enactment,

(b) an investor in the licensed provider is—

(i) failing (or has failed) to fulfil any of the investor's duties under this Part or another enactment, or

(ii) contravening (or has contravened) section 66(1) or (2),

the Head is to report that fact to the licensed provider's approved regulator.

(7) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about—

(a) Heads of Practice,

(b) the functions of such Heads (in their capacity as such).

(8) Before making regulations under subsection (7), the Scottish Ministers must consult the Lord President.

Commencement Information

I55 S. 52 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I56 S. 52 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

53 Practice Committee S

(1) It is for a licensed provider—

(a) to decide whether to have a Practice Committee (instead of having a Head of Practice),

(b) if it has one, to make such administrative arrangements as it considers appropriate in respect of it.

(2) A Practice Committee has the functions under this Part that would otherwise be exercisable by a Head of Practice (and the specification of any of those functions is to be read accordingly).

(3) A Practice Committee is to have among its members a person who would be eligible for appointment as its Head of Practice (if there were one).

(4) The members of a Practice Committee are jointly and severally responsible as regards the Committee's functions.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about—

(a) Practice Committees,

(b) the functions of such Committees.

(6) Before making regulations under subsection (5), the Scottish Ministers must consult the Lord President.

Commencement Information

I57 S. 53 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I58 S. 53 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Appointment to position etc. S

54 Notice of appointment S

(1) Subsection (2) applies whenever a licensed legal services provider appoints a person as its—

(a) Head of Legal Services, or

(b) Head of Practice.

(2) The licensed provider must—

(a) within 14 days from the date of the appointment—

(i) notify its approved regulator of that fact,

(ii) give the approved regulator the name and other details of the person appointed,

(b) from that date give the approved regulator such further relevant information, and by such time, as it may reasonably require.

(3) Subsections (4) and (5) apply where a licensed provider sets up a Practice Committee.

(4) The licensed provider must—

(a) within 14 days from the date on which the Committee is set up—

(i) notify its approved regulator of that fact,

(ii) give the approved regulator the names and other relevant details of the Committee's members (including with specific reference to section 53(3)),

(b) from that date give the approved regulator such other relevant information, and by such time, as it may reasonably require.

(5) The licensed provider must also—

(a) whenever there is a change in the membership of the Committee, give the approved regulator—

(i) notice of the change,

(ii) the name and other relevant details of any new Committee member,

within 14 days from the date on which the change occurs,

(b) if it ever dissolves the Committee (in favour of having a Head of Practice), notify its approved regulator of that fact within 14 days from the date on which the dissolution occurs,

(c) from the date mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) (as the case may be) give the approved regulator such further relevant information, and by such time, as it may reasonably require.

Commencement Information

I59 S. 54 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

55 Challenge to appointment S

(1) An approved regulator may by written notice challenge the appointment by any of its licensed providers of a person (“P”)—

(a) as its—

(i) Head of Legal Services, or

(ii) Head of Practice, or

(b) as a member of its Practice Committee.

(2) A notice of a challenge under subsection (1)—

(a) requires to be given by the approved regulator within 14 days of the relevant notification to it under section 54(2), (4) or (5)(a),

(b) is to specify the grounds for the challenge.

(3) A challenge under subsection (1) may be made only if the approved regulator—

(a) believes that P is (or may be)—

(i) ineligible, or

(ii) unsuitable,

for the appointment, or

(b) has other reasonable grounds for the challenge.

(4) If the approved regulator determines (after making a challenge under subsection (1)) that the grounds for the challenge are made out, it may direct the licensed provider to rescind P's appointment.

(5) Before giving a direction under subsection (4), the approved regulator must give the licensed provider and P 28 days (or such longer period as it may allow) to—

(a) make representations to it,

(b) take such steps as the licensed provider or P may consider expedient.

(6) Practice and licensing rules respectively must—

(a) explain the basis on which P's suitability for the appointment is determinable,

(b) provide that the licensed provider's licence is to be revoked or suspended if the licensed provider does not comply with a direction under subsection (4).

(7) A licensed provider which or another person who is aggrieved by a direction under subsection (4) (or both jointly) may appeal against the direction—

(a) to the sheriff,

(b) within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the direction is given.

(8) For the purpose of subsections (1) to (6), an example of things relevant as respects P's suitability for the appointment is whether P has a record of misconduct in any professional context.

Commencement Information

I60 S. 55 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I61 S. 55 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

56 Disqualification from position S

(1) An approved regulator has the functions exercisable—

(a) under this section and section 57, and

(b) by reference to one or more of the conditions specified in section 58,

in relation to a person (“P”) who holds within any of its licensed providers any of the posts to which those sections relate.

(2) If the first condition is met in relation to P, the approved regulator must disqualify P from—

(a) appointment (or acting) as the Head of Practice,

(b) membership of a Practice Committee.

(3) If the second condition is met in relation to P, the approved regulator—

(a) must disqualify P from—

(i) appointment (or acting) as the Head of Legal Services or Head of Practice,

(ii) membership of a Practice Committee,

(b) may disqualify P from being a designated person.

(4) If the third condition is met in relation to P, the approved regulator must disqualify P from—

(a) appointment (or acting) as the Head of Legal Services or Head of Practice,

(b) membership of a Practice Committee.

(5) If the fourth condition is met in relation to P, the approved regulator—

(a) must disqualify P from—

(i) appointment (or acting) as the Head of Legal Services or Head of Practice,

(ii) membership of a Practice Committee,

(b) may disqualify P from being a designated person.

(6) If the fifth condition is met in relation to P, the approved regulator may disqualify P from—

(a) appointment (or acting) as the Head of Legal Services or Head of Practice,

(b) membership of a Practice Committee,

(c) being a designated person.

Commencement Information

I62 S. 56 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I63 S. 56 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

57 Effect of disqualification S

(1) A disqualification under section 56—

(a) may be—

(i) without limit of time, or

(ii) for a fixed period,

(b) extends so as to apply in relation to every licensed provider (including a licensed provider that is subject to the regulation of a different approved regulator).

(2) Where a disqualification under section 56 is from being a designated person, the disqualification may be framed so as to be limited by reference to—

(a) particular activities, or

(b) activities carried out without appropriate supervision (for example, that of a senior solicitor).

(3) Before disqualifying P under section 56, the approved regulator must give the licensed provider and P 28 days (or such longer period as it may allow) to—

(a) make representations to it,

(b) take such steps as the licensed provider or P may consider expedient.

(4) Licensing rules must provide that the licensed provider's licence may be revoked or suspended if the licensed provider wilfully disregards a disqualification imposed under section 56.

(5) Practice rules must—

(a) set procedure (which the approved regulator is to follow) for imposing a disqualification under section 56,

(b) allow for review (and lifting) by the approved regulator of a disqualification imposed by it under that section.

(6) A person who is disqualified under section 56 may appeal against the disqualification—

(a) to the sheriff,

(b) within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the disqualification is imposed.

Commencement Information

I64 S. 57 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I65 S. 57 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

58 Conditions for disqualification S

(1) This section applies for the purposes of section 56.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) P—

(i) is subject to a trust deed granted by P for the benefit of P's creditors,

(ii) is subject to an individual voluntary arrangement under the Insolvency Act 1986, to repay P's creditors,

(iii) has been adjudged bankrupt and has not been discharged from bankruptcy, or

(iv) has been sequestrated (that is, sequestration of P's estate has been awarded) and the sequestration has not been discharged, and

(b) the approved regulator is satisfied accordingly that P is unsuitable for the position.

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) P is subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order F5 ... under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985, [F6 the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016,] the Insolvency Act 1986 or corresponding Northern Ireland legislation, and

(b) the approved regulator is satisfied accordingly that P is unsuitable for the position.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) P—

(i) is subject to a disqualification order or undertaking under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 or corresponding Northern Ireland legislation,

(ii) is disqualified by a court from holding, or otherwise has been removed by a court from, a position of business responsibility (for example, from being a director of a charity), and

(b) the approved regulator is satisfied accordingly that P is unsuitable for the position.

(5) The fourth condition is that—

(a) P—

(i) has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, or

(ii) in respect of an offence, has been fined an amount equivalent to level 4 on the standard scale or more (whether on summary or solemn conviction) or sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or more, and

(b) the approved regulator is satisfied accordingly that P is unsuitable for the position.

(6) The fifth condition is that—

(a) P (acting in the relevant capacity) has—

(i) failed in a material regard to fulfil any of P's duties under (or arising by virtue of) this Part, or

(ii) caused, or substantially contributed to, a material breach of the terms or conditions of the licensed provider's licence, and

(b) the approved regulator is satisfied accordingly that P is unsuitable for the position.

(7) In subsections (3)(a) and (4)(a)(i), “Northern Ireland legislation” has the meaning given in section 24(5) of the Interpretation Act 1978.

Textual Amendments

F5 Words in s. 58(3)(a) omitted (30.11.2016) by virtue of Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 26(2)(a) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2

F6 Words in s. 58(3)(a) inserted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 26(2)(b) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2

Commencement Information

I66 S. 58 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Designated persons S

59 Designated persons S

(1) In this Part, a “designated person” within a licensed legal services provider is a person who is designated as such under subsection (2).

(2) Designation under this subsection is written designation by the licensed provider to carry out legal work in connection with the licensed provider's provision of legal services.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2)—

(a) designation by the licensed provider means designation on its behalf by its Head of Legal Services or Head of Practice (who has the function accordingly),

(b) a person is eligible for designation only if the person is an employee of the licensed provider (or otherwise works within it under any arrangement),

(c) it is immaterial whether the person is—

(i) a member of a professional association, or

(ii) paid for the work.

Commencement Information

I67 S. 59 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

60 Working context S

(1) A Head of Legal Services is, in furtherance of section 51(5)(b) and (c), responsible for ensuring that there is (by or under the direction of the Head) adequate supervision of the legal work carried out by the designated persons within the licensed provider.

(2) Only a designated person within a licensed provider may carry out legal work in connection with its provision of legal services.

(3) Nothing in this Part affects the operation of—

(a) section 32 of the 1980 Act or any other enactment which requires that a particular sort of legal work be carried out by an individual of a particular description (or in a particular way), or

(b) any rule of professional practice, conduct or discipline (whether for solicitors or otherwise) which properly so requires.

Commencement Information

I68 S. 60 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

61 Listing and information S

(1) The Head of Practice of a licensed provider must—

(a) keep a list of the designated persons within the licensed provider, and

(b) give its approved regulator a copy of the list whenever the approved regulator requests it.

(2) The Head of Practice must give its approved regulator such information about the designated persons within the licensed provider as the approved regulator may reasonably request.

Commencement Information

I69 S. 61 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Non-solicitor investors S

62 Fitness for involvement S

(1) An approved regulator must—

(a) before issuing a licence to a licensed legal services provider, or renewing it, satisfy itself as to the fitness of every non-solicitor investor in the licensed provider for having an interest in the licensed provider,

(b) thereafter, monitor as it considers appropriate the investor's fitness in that regard.

(2) Licensing rules must—

(a) explain the basis on which a non-solicitor investor's fitness for having an interest in a licensed provider is determinable,

(b) provide that, where the approved regulator determines that the investor is unfit in that regard—

(i) a licence is not to be issued to the licensed provider (or renewed),

(ii) if issued, the licence is to be revoked or suspended.

(3) But the approved regulator need not act as required by licensing rules made under subsection (2)(b) if, by such time as it may reasonably appoint, the licensed provider demonstrates to it that (following disqualification as required by section 65(1) or otherwise) the investor no longer has the relevant interest.

(4) The approved regulator must, before making its final determination as to fitness, give the non-solicitor investor 28 days (or such longer period as it may allow) to—

(a) make representations to it,

(b) take such steps as the investor may consider expedient.

(5) A person who is determined as unfit under this section may appeal against the determination—

(a) to the sheriff,

(b) within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the determination is made.

Commencement Information

I70 S. 62 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I71 S. 62 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

63 Exemption from fitness test S

(1) Section 62(1) is subject to this section.

(2) The approved regulator need not act as required by that section in relation to any exemptible investor in the licensed provider.

(3) Licensing rules must explain—

(a) any circumstances in which the approved regulator proposes to rely on subsection (2),

(b) any threshold below the percentage specified in subsection (4) by reference to which it proposes to rely on subsection (2),

(c) where it proposes to rely on subsection (2), its reasons.

(4) In subsection (2), an “exemptible investor” is an investor who has less than a 10% stake in the total ownership or control of the licensed provider.

Commencement Information

I72 S. 63 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I73 S. 63 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

64 Factors as to fitness S

(1) This section applies for the purposes of section 62.

(2) The following are examples of things relevant as respects a non-solicitor investor's fitness for having an interest in a licensed provider—

(a) the investor's—

(i) financial position and business record,

(ii) probity and character,

(iii) family, business or other associations (so far as bearing on character),

(b) whether—

(i) the investor has ever caused, or substantially contributed to, a material breach of the terms or conditions of any licensed provider's licence,

(ii) the investor's involvement in the licensed provider may (in the approved regulator's opinion) be detrimental to the observance of the regulatory objectives or adherence to the professional principles, or to the compliance with this Part or any other enactment, by any person or body,

(iii) the investor has ever contravened section 66(1) or (2) or there is (in the approved regulator's opinion) a significant risk that the investor will ever contravene that section.

(3) A non-solicitor investor is to be presumed to be unfit for having an interest in a licensed provider if one or more of the following conditions is met—

(a) the first condition is that the investor—

(i) is subject to a trust deed granted by the investor for the benefit of the investor's creditors,

(ii) is subject to an individual voluntary arrangement under the Insolvency Act 1986, to repay the investor's creditors,

(iii) has been adjudged bankrupt and has not been discharged from bankruptcy, or

(iv) has been sequestrated (that is, sequestration of the investor's estate has been awarded) and the sequestration has not been discharged,

(b) the second condition is that the investor is subject to a bankruptcy restrictions order F7 ... under the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 1985, [F8 the Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016,] the Insolvency Act 1986 or corresponding Northern Ireland legislation,

(c) the third condition is that the investor—

(i) is subject to a disqualification order or undertaking under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986 or corresponding Northern Ireland legislation,

(ii) is disqualified by a court from holding, or otherwise has been removed by a court from, a position of business responsibility (for example, from being a director of a charity),

(d) the fourth condition is that the investor—

(i) has been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty, or

(ii) in respect of an offence, has been fined an amount equivalent to level 4 on the standard scale or more (whether on summary or solemn conviction) or sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 12 months or more.

(4) Where a non-solicitor investor is a body, it is relevant as respects the investor's fitness for having an interest in a licensed provider whether or not the persons having (to any extent)—

(a) ownership or control of the body, or

(b) any other material interest in it,

would (if they were investors in the licensed provider in their own right) be held to be fit in that regard.

(5) In subsection (3)(b) and (c)(i), “Northern Ireland legislation” has the meaning given in section 24(5) of the Interpretation Act 1978.

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in s. 64(3)(b) omitted (30.11.2016) by virtue of Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 26(3)(a) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2

F8 Words in s. 64(3)(b) inserted (30.11.2016) by Bankruptcy (Scotland) Act 2016 (asp 21), s. 237(2), sch. 8 para. 26(3)(b) (with ss. 232, 234(3), 235, 236); S.S.I. 2016/294, reg. 2

Commencement Information

I74 S. 64 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

65 Ban for improper behaviour S

(1) Where an approved regulator determines that a non-solicitor investor in a licensed provider has contravened section 66(1) or (2), the approved regulator must disqualify the investor from having an interest in the licensed provider.

(2) A disqualification under subsection (1)—

(a) may be—

(i) without limit of time, or

(ii) for a fixed period,

(b) extends so as to apply in relation to every licensed provider (including a licensed provider that is subject to the regulation of a different approved regulator).

(3) Before disqualifying an investor under subsection (1), the approved regulator must give the investor 28 days (or such longer period as it may allow) to—

(a) make representations to it,

(b) take such steps as the investor may consider expedient.

(4) Practice rules must—

(a) set procedure (which the approved regulator is to follow) for imposing a disqualification under subsection (1),

(b) allow for review (and lifting) by the approved regulator of a disqualification imposed by it under that subsection.

(5) A person who is disqualified under subsection (1) may appeal against the disqualification—

(a) to the sheriff,

(b) within the period of 3 months beginning with the date on which the disqualification is imposed.

Commencement Information

I75 S. 65 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I76 S. 65 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

66 Behaving properly S

(1) A non-solicitor investor in a licensed provider must not (in that capacity) act in a way that is incompatible with—

(a) the regulatory objectives or the professional principles,

(b) the licensed provider's duties under section 50(1), or

(c) its—

(i) other duties under this Part,

(ii) duties under any other enactment.

(2) A non-solicitor investor in a licensed provider must not (in that capacity)—

(a) interfere improperly in the provision of legal or other professional services by the licensed provider,

(b) in relation to any designated or other person within the licensed provider—

(i) exert undue influence,

(ii) solicit unlawful or unethical conduct, or

(iii) otherwise behave improperly.

Commencement Information

I77 S. 66 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

67 More about investors S

(1) Schedule 8 provides for other—

(a) requirements to which licensed legal services providers are subject,

(b) functions of approved regulators,

in relation to interests in licensed providers.

(2) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision—

(a) relating to interests in licensed providers,

(b) for licensing rules in connection with persons who have an interest in a licensed provider.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) amend the percentage specified in section 63(4) and paragraph 4(3) of schedule 8,

(b) amend (by addition, elaboration or exception) a definition in subsection (6).

(4) Regulations under subsection (2)(a) may (in particular)—

(a) impose requirements to which a licensed provider, or an investor in a licensed provider, is subject,

(b) specify criteria or circumstances by reference to which a non-solicitor investor is to be presumed, or held, to be fit (or unfit),

(c) set out—

(i) what amounts (to any extent) to ownership, control or another material interest,

(ii) what interest (or type) is relevant as regards a particular percentage stake in ownership or control,

(iii) by reference to a family, business or other association, what other interest (or type) also counts towards such a stake,

(d) for circumstances where an interest is held by a body, set out—

(i) what interest (or type) in the body counts towards the interest held by it,

(ii) the extent to which the interest in it so counts.

(5) Before making regulations under subsection (3), the Scottish Ministers must have the Lord President's agreement.

(6) In this Part—

(a) an “investor” in a licensed provider is any person who has (to any extent)—

(i) ownership or control of the licensed provider, or

(ii) any other material interest in it,

(b) a “non-solicitor investor” in a licensed provider is an investor who is not entitled to practise—

(i) as a solicitor, a firm of solicitors or an incorporated practice,

(ii) in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, as a solicitor (outwith the meaning for this Act), or

(iii) as a registered European or foreign lawyer,

(c) the reference to a “solicitor investor” in a licensed provider is to be construed accordingly.

(7) In sections 62 to 66, this section and schedule 8, a reference to a licensed provider includes an applicant to become one.

Commencement Information

I78 S. 67(1)-(5) in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I79 S. 67(1)-(5) in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

I80 S. 67(6)(7) in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Discontinuance of services S

68 Duty to warn S

(1) Subsection (2) applies where a licensed legal services provider—

(a) is in serious financial difficulty, or

(b) for any reason (except revocation or suspension of its licence under this Part)—

(i) intends to stop providing legal services, or

(ii) is likely to become unable to continue providing legal services.

(2) The licensed provider must—

(a) notify (without delay) its approved regulator accordingly,

(b) provide the approved regulator with such relevant information as the approved regulator may require,

(c) take all reasonable steps to mitigate such disruption to its clients as is likely to result from the difficulty or (as the case may be) its ceasing to provide legal services.

Commencement Information

I81 S. 68 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

69 Inability to operate S

(1) Subsections (2) to (7) apply where—

(a) through the application of section 48 or 49 or otherwise, a licensed provider is no longer eligible to remain as such,

(b) because of a vacancy within a licensed provider, the licensed provider has within it no person who is eligible to be (or act as) its—

(i) Head of Legal Services, or

(ii) Head of Practice,

(c) in respect of a licensed provider—

(i) a provisional liquidator, liquidator, receiver or judicial factor is appointed,

(ii) an administration or winding up order is made,

(iii) a resolution is passed by it for its voluntary winding up (except where that resolution is solely to facilitate reconstruction or amalgamation with another licensed provider), or

(d) for some other reason (except revocation or suspension of its licence under this Part), a licensed provider stops providing legal services.

(2) The licensed provider must—

(a) notify (without delay and no later than 7 days after the event referred to in subsection (1)) its approved regulator accordingly,

(b) provide the approved regulator with such information about the situation as the approved regulator may require.

(3) The approved regulator must revoke the licensed provider's licence except where the approved regulator is satisfied that—

(a) the situation is temporary, and

(b) there are sufficient arrangements in place to safeguard the interests of the licensed provider's clients until such time as the situation is rectified.

(4) Even if the exception mentioned in subsection (3) is made out, the approved regulator may suspend the licence pending rectification of the situation.

(5) For the purpose of subsections (3) and (4), the approved regulator must review the situation every 14 days (or, if it so chooses, more frequently).

(6) For so long as the licensed provider's licence is not revoked or suspended under subsection (3) or (4) in connection with the situation, the situation alone does not prevent the licensed provider from continuing (or recommencing) to provide legal services.

(7) Where a licensed provider has ceased to exist—

(a) its functions under subsection (2)(a) and (b) fall to its former Head of Practice or (if unavailable) its former Head of Legal Services,

(b) if neither Head is available, its function under subsection (2)(b) falls to a person nominated by its approved regulator.

(8) In this section, a reference to a licensed provider includes (as the context requires) a former licensed provider.

Commencement Information

I82 S. 69 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

70 Safeguarding clients S

(1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply where—

(a) a licensed provider—

(i) has given (or is required to give) notice to its approved regulator under section 68(2)(a) or 69(2)(a), or

(ii) has had (or is to have) its licence revoked or suspended under this Part, and

(b) the approved regulator has not informed it (or has not had an opportunity to do so) that the approved regulator is satisfied that it has made sufficient arrangements for the safeguarding of its clients' interests.

(2) The licensed provider must—

(a) prepare—

(i) in the case of revocation, final accounts,

(ii) in the case of suspension, interim accounts,

which (in particular) detail all sums held on behalf of clients,

(b) comply with any directions given under subsection (3).

(3) The approved regulator may direct the licensed provider to take specified action (or refrain from doing something) if the approved regulator considers that to be necessary or expedient for safeguarding the interests of the licensed provider's legal services clients.

(4) Directions given under subsection (3) may (in particular) require the licensed provider to make available to a relevant person or body any—

(a) document or information (of whatever kind) held in the licensed provider's possession or control which—

(i) relates to, or is held on behalf of, a client of the licensed provider, or

(ii) relates to any trust of which the licensed provider (or one of the designated persons within it) is sole trustee or co-trustee only with other designated persons in the licensed provider,

(b) sum of money held by the licensed provider—

(i) on behalf of a client,

(ii) subject to any trust of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a)(ii).

(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), a relevant person or body is—

(a) the particular client,

(b) the approved regulator,

(c) a provider of legal services that is properly instructed by the licensed provider, or the approved regulator, to act in place of the licensed provider.

(6) The Court of Session may, on an application by the approved regulator, make an order—

(a) confirming that the licensed provider is required to comply with a direction given under subsection (3),

(b) varying the direction or imposing such conditions as the Court considers appropriate in the circumstances,

(c) that, without the leave of the Court, no payment be made by any bank, building society or other body named in the order out of any account (or any sum otherwise deposited) in the name of the licensed provider.

(7) Before making such an order, the Court must—

(a) give the licensed provider and any other person with an interest an opportunity to be heard,

(b) be satisfied that the direction or (as the case may be) freezing of an account represents an appropriate course of action in all the circumstances of the case.

(8) The approved regulator may recover from the licensed provider any expenditure reasonably incurred by the approved regulator in consequence of its taking action under this section.

(9) Where a licensed provider has ceased to exist, its functions under (or arising by virtue of) this section fall—

(a) to its former Head of Practice or (if unavailable) its former Head of Legal Services,

(b) if neither Head is available, to a person nominated by its approved regulator.

(10) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about the steps that are, in the circumstances within subsection (1), to be taken to safeguard the interests of clients of licensed providers.

(11) In this section, a reference to a licensed provider includes (as the context requires) a former licensed provider.

Commencement Information

I83 S. 70 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I84 S. 70 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

71 Distribution of client account S

(1) Any sums of the kind to which section 42 of the 1980 Act applies that are held in a client account (as referred to in that section) kept by a licensed provider are, in any of the events mentioned in subsection (2A) of that section, to be distributed in the same way as they would if they were subject to that section.

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), any reference in that section to an incorporated practice is to be read as if it were a reference to the licensed provider.

Commencement Information

I85 S. 71 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Professional practice etc. S

72 Employing disqualified lawyer S

(1) Subsection (2) applies in relation to—

(a) a person who has been struck off the roll of solicitors or suspended from practice as a solicitor,

(b) a person—

(i) who has been suspended from practice as a registered European lawyer or whose registration as a registered European lawyer has been withdrawn, or

(ii) who has been suspended from practice as a registered foreign lawyer or whose registration as a registered foreign lawyer has been withdrawn,

(c) a person who has been prohibited (including by reason of a disqualification or another removal of a right to provide services) from—

(i) practising as an advocate,

(ii) acting as a conveyancing or executry practitioner,

(iii) acting as a litigation practitioner, or

(iv) acting as a confirmation agent or will writer within the meaning of Part 3,

(d) a body whose certificate of recognition as an incorporated practice has been revoked.

(2) A licensed legal services provider must not employ or remunerate as a designated person—

(a) the person while the person is so debarred (however described in subsection (1)), or

(b) the body while the revocation subsists.

(3) But subsection (2) is inoperative in relation to the person or (as the case may be) body if the licensed provider has its approved regulator's written authority that it is so inoperative in the circumstances of the particular case.

(4) Any authority under subsection (3) may be given—

(a) for a specified period,

(b) with conditions attached.

(5) A licensed provider may appeal to the Court of Session if it is aggrieved by—

(a) the withholding of any such authority, or

(b) any conditions attached under subsection (4)(b).

(6) On an appeal under subsection (5)—

(a) the Court may direct the approved regulator on the matter as the Court considers appropriate,

(b) the Court's determination is final.

(7) If a licensed provider wilfully contravenes—

(a) subsection (2), or

(b) any conditions attached under subsection (4)(b),

its approved regulator may revoke or suspend its licence.

Commencement Information

I86 S. 72 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

73 Concealing disqualification S

(1) Subsection (2) applies to—

(a) a person who has been struck off the roll of solicitors or suspended from practice as a solicitor,

(b) a person—

(i) who has been suspended from practice as a registered European lawyer or whose registration as a registered European lawyer has been withdrawn, or

(ii) who has been suspended from practice as a registered foreign lawyer or whose registration as a registered foreign lawyer has been withdrawn,

(c) a person who has been prohibited (including by reason of a disqualification or another removal of a right to provide services) from—

(i) practising as an advocate,

(ii) acting as a conveyancing or executry practitioner,

(iii) acting as a litigation practitioner, or

(iv) acting as a confirmation agent or will writer within the meaning of Part 3.

(2) The person is guilty of an offence if, while the person is so debarred (however described in subsection (1)), the person seeks or accepts employment by a licensed provider without previously informing it of the debarment.

(3) A person who commits an offence under subsection (2) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(4) Subsection (5) applies to a body whose certificate of recognition as an incorporated practice has been revoked.

(5) The body is guilty of an offence if, while the revocation subsists, the body seeks or accepts employment by a licensed provider without previously informing it of the revocation.

(6) A body which commits an offence under subsection (5) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Commencement Information

I87 S. 73 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

74 Pretending to be licensed S

(1) A person commits an offence if the person—

(a) pretends to be a licensed provider, or

(b) takes or uses any name, title, addition or description implying falsely that the person is a licensed provider.

(2) A person who commits an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

Commencement Information

I88 S. 74 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

75 Professional privilege S

(1) Subsection (2) applies to any communication made to or by—

(a) a licensed provider in the course of its acting as such in its provision of legal services for any of its clients,

(b) a designated person (apart from a solicitor or advocate) within the licensed provider who is acting—

(i) in connection with its provision of such legal services, and

(ii) at the direction, and under the supervision, of a solicitor.

(2) The communication is, in any legal proceedings, privileged from disclosure as if the licensed provider or (as the case may be) the person had at all material times been a solicitor acting for the client.

(3) Subsection (4) applies to any special provision which—

(a) is contained in an enactment or otherwise,

(b) relates to a solicitor, and

(c) concerns—

(i) the disclosure of information with respect to which a claim of professional privilege could be maintained, or

(ii) the production, seizure or removal of documents with respect to which such a claim could be maintained.

(4) The provision has effect in relation to a licensed provider, and any designated person (apart from a solicitor) within a licensed provider, as it does in relation to a solicitor but with any necessary modifications.

(5) This section is without prejudice to any other enactment or rule of law concerning professional or other privilege from disclosure (in particular, as applicable in relation to a solicitor).

Commencement Information

I89 S. 75 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Chapter 3 S Further provision

Achieving regulatory aims S

76 Input by the [F9 CMA] S

(1) The Scottish Ministers or (as the case may be) an approved regulator must, whenever consulting the [F10 CMA ] under this Part, request the OFT—

(a) to give such advice as it considers appropriate in relation to the matter concerned,

(b) in considering what advice to give, to have particular regard to whether the matter concerned would have (or be likely to have) the effect of preventing, or significantly restricting or distorting, competition within the legal services market.

(2) The Scottish Ministers are or (as the case may be) the approved regulator is to take account of any advice given by the [F10 CMA ] within—

(a) the relevant consultation period, or

(b) otherwise—

(i) in the case of the Scottish Ministers, the period of 90 days beginning with the day on which they request the advice,

(ii) in the case of the approved regulator, the period of 30 days beginning on the day on which it requests the advice or such longer period not exceeding 90 days as it may agree with the OFT.

(3) The Scottish Ministers may publish any advice duly given to them by the [F10 CMA ].

Textual Amendments

F9 Word in s. 76 heading substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 6 para. 197(3); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

F10 Words in s. 76(1)-(3) substituted (1.4.2014) by Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (c. 24), s. 103(3), Sch. 6 para. 197(2); S.I. 2014/416, art. 2(1)(d) (with Sch.)

Commencement Information

I90 S. 76 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

77 Role of approved regulators S

(1) Subsections (2) to (4) apply in relation to the exercise by an approved regulator of its functions under this Part.

(2) The approved regulator must, so far as practicable, act in a way which—

(a) is compatible with the regulatory objectives, and

(b) it considers most appropriate with a view to meeting those objectives.

(3) The approved regulator must adopt best regulatory practice under which (in particular) regulatory activities should be—

(a) carried out—

(i) effectively (but without giving rise to unnecessary burdens),

(ii) in a way that is transparent, accountable, proportionate and consistent,

(b) targeted only at such cases as require action.

(4) The approved regulator must seek to ensure that its licensed legal services providers have regard to the regulatory objectives.

Commencement Information

I91 S. 77 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

78 Policy statement S

(1) An approved regulator must prepare and issue a statement of policy as to how, in exercising its functions under this Part, it will comply with its duties under section 77.

(2) The approved regulator—

(a) may revise the policy statement,

(b) if it does so, must re-issue the policy statement.

(3) The approved regulator may issue (or re-issue) the policy statement only with the approval of the Scottish Ministers.

(4) The approved regulator must publish the policy statement as issued (or re-issued).

(5) In exercising its functions under this Part, the approved regulator must have regard to the policy statement as issued (or re-issued).

Commencement Information

I92 S. 78 in force at 1.4.2011 by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

Complaints S

79 Complaints about regulators S

(1) Any complaint about an approved regulator is to be made to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission.

(2) The Commission is to determine whether or not the complaint is—

(a) one for which section 57E(1) of the 2007 Act makes provision,

(b) frivolous, vexatious or totally without merit.

(3) And—

(a) if the Commission determines that the complaint falls within subsection (2)(a), the Commission is to proceed by reference to section 57E(1) of the 2007 Act,

(b) if the Commission determines that the complaint falls within subsection (2)(b), the Commission—

(i) must notify the complainer and the approved regulator accordingly (with reasons),

(ii) is not required to take any further action,

(c) if the Commission determines that the complaint does not fall within subsection (2)(a) or (b), the Commission must refer the complaint to the Scottish Ministers.

(4) The Scottish Ministers must investigate any complaint about an approved regulator that is referred to them under subsection (3)(c).

(5) Where the Scottish Ministers do not uphold the complaint, they must notify the complainer and the approved regulator accordingly (with reasons).

(6) Where the Scottish Ministers uphold the complaint, they must—

(a) notify the complainer and the approved regulator accordingly (with reasons), and

(b) decide whether to proceed under section 38.

(7) The Scottish Ministers may delegate to the Commission any of their functions under subsections (4), (5) and (6)(a) (and, if they so delegate their function under subsection (4), they may also waive the referral requirement under subsection (3)(c)).

(8) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations make further provision about complaints made about approved regulators (and how they are to be dealt with).

Commencement Information

I93 S. 79 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I94 S. 79 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

80 Levy payable by regulators S

(1) An approved regulator must pay to the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission—

(a) in respect of each financial year, an annual levy,

(b) if arising, a complaints levy.

(2) The amount of the annual levy or complaints levy payable by an approved regulator—

(a) is to be determined by the Commission,

(b) may be—

(i) different from any amount payable as an annual general levy or (as the case may be) a complaints levy under Part 1 of the 2007 Act,

(ii) in either case, of different amounts (including nil) in different circumstances.

(3) The complaints levy arises as respects an approved regulator where—

(a) the Scottish Ministers delegate to the Commission their function under section 79(4) in relation to a complaint made about the approved regulator, and

(b) the Commission upholds the complaint.

(4) Before determining for a financial year the amount of the annual levy or complaints levy, the Commission must consult—

(a) each approved regulator (with particular reference to the proposed amount to be payable by it),

(b) the Scottish Ministers.

Commencement Information

I95 S. 80 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 4)

81 Complaints about providers S

In the 2007 Act, after Part 2 insert—

“Part 2A S Special provision for licensed providers

57A Complaints about licensed providers

(1) Parts 1 and 2 apply in relation to complaints made about licensed legal services providers as they apply in relation to complaints made about practitioners.

(2) Subsection (1) is subject to—

(a) subsections (3) and (4), and

(b) such further modification to the operation of Parts 1 and 2 as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations make for the purposes of—

(i) subsection (1),

(ii) section 57B(4) and (5).

(3) In relation to a services complaint about a licensed provider, its approved regulator is to be regarded as the relevant professional organisation.

(4) A conduct complaint may not be made about a licensed provider, but—

(a) such a complaint may be made about a practitioner within such a provider,

(b) the provisions relating to such a complaint remain (subject to such modification as to those provisions as is made under subsection (2)(b)) applicable for the purposes of section 57B(4) and (5).

(5) Where an approved regulator receives (from a person other than the Commission) a complaint about the conduct of, or any services provided by, a practitioner within one of its licensed providers, the approved regulator must without delay send to the Commission the complaint and any material that accompanies it.

57B Regulatory complaints

(1) There is an additional type of complaint which applies only in relation to licensed providers (a “regulatory complaint”).

(2) A regulatory complaint is where any person suggests that a licensed provider is failing (or has failed) to—

(a) have regard to the regulatory objectives,

(b) adhere to the professional principles,

(c) comply with—

(i) its approved regulator's regulatory scheme,

(ii) the terms and conditions of its licence.

(3) In relation to a regulatory complaint about a licensed provider, its approved regulator is to be regarded as the relevant professional organisation.

(4) The procedure in respect of a regulatory complaint is (by virtue of section 57A(4)(b)) the same as it would be for a conduct complaint about a licensed provider, subject to such modification as to that procedure as is made under section 57A(2)(b).

(5) The Commission and the approved regulator have (by virtue of section 57A(4)(b)) the same functions in relation to a regulatory complaint as they would have in relation to a conduct complaint about a licensed provider, subject to such modification as to those functions as is made under section 57A(2)(b).

57C Levy, advice and guidance

(1) A licensed provider must pay to the Commission—

(a) the annual general levy, and

(b) the complaints levy (if arising),

in accordance with Part 1 (and in addition to any levy payable under that Part by a solicitor or other person within the licensed provider).

(2) Section 29 applies for the purposes of subsection (1) as it applies for the purposes of sections 27(1) and 28(1).

(3) For the application of sections 27(1), 28(1) and 29 by virtue of subsections (1) and (2)—

(a) an approved regulator is to be regarded as a relevant professional organisation whose members are its licensed providers,

(b) a licensed provider is to be regarded—

(i) in connection with the annual general levy, as an individual person falling within the relevant category,

(ii) in connection with the complaints levy, as an individual practitioner of the relevant type.

(4) But the amount of the annual general levy for a licensed provider may be—

(a) different from the amount to be paid by individuals,

(b) of different amounts (including nil) in different circumstances.

(5) The Commission—

(a) must (so far as practicable) provide advice to any person who requests it as respects the process of making a regulatory complaint to the Commission,

(b) may issue guidance under section 40 to approved regulators and licensed providers as respects how licensed providers are to deal with regulatory complaints.

57D Recovery of levy

(1) An approved regulator must—

(a) secure the collection by it, from its licensed providers, of the annual general levy due by them, and

(b) pay to the Commission a sum representing the total amount which falls to be collected by it under paragraph (a) in respect of each financial year.

(2) Subsection (3) of section 27 applies in relation to any sum due under subsection (1)(b) (including interest) as it applies in relation to any sum due under subsection (2)(b) of section 27.

(3) Subsection (4) of section 27 applies in relation to any sum due under section 57C(1)(a) (including interest) as it applies in relation to any sum due under subsection (1) of section 27.

(4) Subsection (3) of section 28 applies in relation to any sum due under section 57C(1)(b) (including interest) as it applies in relation to any sum due under subsection (1) of section 28.

(5) For the application of sections 27(3) and (4) and 28(3) by virtue of subsections (2) to (4)—

(a) the approved regulator is to be regarded as the relevant professional organisation,

(b) each of its licensed providers is to be regarded—

(i) in relation to section 27(4), as an individual person falling within the relevant category,

(ii) in relation to section 28(3), as an individual practitioner of the relevant type.

(6) Section 57C(1) is subject to subsection (1).

57E Handling complaints

(1) Parts 1 and 2 apply in relation to any complaint made about how an approved regulator has dealt with a regulatory complaint as they apply in relation to a handling complaint (relating to a conduct complaint) made about a relevant professional organisation.

(2) Subsection (1) is subject to such modification to the operation of those Parts as the Scottish Ministers may by regulations make for the purposes of that subsection.

57F Effectiveness of compensation fund

(1) Section 39 also applies in relation to a compensation fund of its own that is maintained by an approved regulator in furtherance of section 24(2) of the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010.

(2) For the application of section 39 by virtue of subsection (1)—

(a) any such compensation fund is to be regarded as falling within subsection (1)(c) of that section,

(b) the approved regulator is to be regarded as the relevant professional organisation.

57G Interpretation of Part 2A

For the purposes of this Part—

• “approved regulator”

• “licensed legal services provider” (or “licensed provider”),

• “professional principles”,

• “regulatory objectives”

• “regulatory scheme”

are to be construed in accordance with Part 2 of the Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2010.”.

Commencement Information

I96 S. 81 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I97 S. 81 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)

Registers and lists S

82 Register of approved regulators S

(1) The Scottish Ministers—

(a) must keep and publish a register of approved regulators,

(b) may do so in such manner as they consider appropriate.

(2) The register is to include the following information in relation to each approved regulator—

(a) its contact details (including its address, website and telephone number),

(b) the date on which it was given the relevant approval under section 7,

(c) the date on which it was given the relevant authorisation under section 10 (and the duration of that authorisation (unlimited or the fixed period)),

(d) the categories of legal services to which that authorisation relates,

(e) details of any measure taken by the Scottish Ministers under section 38.

Commencement Information

I98 S. 82 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

83 Registers of licensed providers S

(1) An approved regulator must keep and publish a register of its licensed legal services providers.

(2) The register is to include the following information in relation to each licensed provider—

(a) its name and any place of business,

(b) the relevant details about its licence,

(c) the name of every non-solicitor investor in the licensed provider,

(d) the name of every person intimated to the approved regulator under paragraph 3 of schedule 8,

(e) the names and the dates of appointment of—

(i) its Head of Legal Services, and

(ii) its Head of Practice or, if applicable, each member of its Practice Committee (including with specific reference to section 53(3)),

(f) whether the licensed provider has been the subject of any disciplinary action and (if so) a description of that action.

(3) In subsection (2)(b), the relevant details about a licensed provider's licence are—

(a) the date on which the licence was originally granted,

(b) the date on which it was most recently renewed,

(c) whether it is subject to any conditions,

(d) the date on which it will expire.

(4) But, in the case of a former licensed provider, the relevant details are instead—

(a) the date on which the licence was originally granted,

(b) the period for which the licensed provider held a licence,

(c) the reason for the licensed provider ceasing to hold a licence.

(5) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) make further provision about the information to be contained in the registers of licensed providers, and

(b) prescribe the manner in which those registers are to be kept and published.

(6) In this section, a reference to a licensed provider includes a former licensed provider.

Commencement Information

I99 S. 83 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I100 S. 83 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

84 Lists of disqualified persons S

(1) An approved regulator must keep a list of the persons whom it has disqualified under section 56 (that is, from holding a certain position in a licensed legal services provider).

(2) The list kept under subsection (1) must include the following information in relation to each person concerned—

(a) the person's name,

(b) the—

(i) name of any relevant licensed provider,

(ii) any relevant position held by the person as at the date of the disqualification,

(c) each position from which the person is disqualified,

(d) the date of disqualification and its duration (unlimited or the fixed period),

(e) the reasons for the disqualification.

(3) An approved regulator must keep a list of the persons whom it has—

(a) determined as unfit under section 62 (that is, for being a non-solicitor investor in a licensed provider), or

(b) disqualified under section 65(1) (that is, from having an interest in a licensed provider).

(4) The list kept under subsection (3) must include the following information in relation to each person concerned—

(a) the person's name,

(b) the name of any relevant licensed provider,

(c) the date of the determination or (as the case may be) disqualification,

(d) the grounds for the determination or (as the case may be) disqualification.

(5) A list kept under this section must not include information relating to a person in respect of whom the determination or (as the case may be) disqualification—

(a) has been reversed on appeal, or

(b) otherwise, no longer applies.

(6) The approved regulator must—

(a) publish the lists kept by it under this section, and

(b) notify the Scottish Ministers of any material alterations made to either of them.

(7) The Scottish Ministers may by regulations—

(a) make further provision about the information to be contained in the lists kept under this section,

(b) prescribe the manner in which those lists are to be kept and published.

Commencement Information

I101 S. 84 in force at 1.4.2011 for specified purposes by S.S.I. 2011/180, art. 3, Sch.

I102 S. 84 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

Miscellaneous S

85 Privileged material S

(1) Subsection (2) applies to the publication under this Part of any—

(a) advice, report or notice, or

(b) other material.

(2) For the purposes of the law on defamation, the publication is privileged.

(3) But subsection (2) is ineffective if it is proved that the publication was made with malice.

Commencement Information

I103 S. 85 in force at 2.7.2012 in so far as not already in force by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

86 Immunity from damages S

(1) Neither an approved regulator nor any of its officers, members or employees is liable in damages for any act or omission occurring in the exercise (or purported exercise) of its functions under this Part.

(2) But subsection (1) is ineffective if it is shown that the act or omission was in bad faith.

Commencement Information

I104 S. 86 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

87 Appeal procedure S

(1) This section applies in relation to an appeal to the sheriff under this Part.

(2) The appeal is to be made by way of summary application.

(3) In the appeal, the sheriff may—

(a) uphold, vary or quash the decision that is the subject of the appeal,

(b) make such further order (including for the expenses of the parties) as is necessary in the interests of justice.

(4) The sheriff's determination in the appeal is final.

Commencement Information

I105 S. 87 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

88 Corporate offences S

(1) Subsection (2) applies where—

(a) an offence under this Part is committed by a relevant organisation, and

(b) the commission of the offence—

(i) involves the connivance or consent of, or

(ii) is attributable to the neglect of,

a responsible official of the organisation.

(2) The official (as well as the organisation) commits the offence.

(3) For the purpose of this section—

(a) a “relevant organisation” is—

(i) a company,

(ii) a limited liability partnership,

(iii) an ordinary partnership, or

(iv) any other body or association,

(b) a “responsible official” is—

(i) in the case of a company, a director, secretary, manager or other similar officer,

(ii) in the case of a limited liability partnership, a member,

(iii) in the case of an ordinary partnership, a partner,

(iv) in the case of another body or association, a person who is concerned in the management or control of its affairs,

but in each case also extends to a person purporting to act in such a capacity.

Commencement Information

I106 S. 88 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.

89 Effect of professional or other rules S

(1) Sections 121(5) and 124(3) respectively make provision (in connection with this Part) as to the effect of professional rules to which advocates and solicitors are subject.

(2) Nothing in this Part affects the operation of any rule which regulates in respect of any matter the professional practice, conduct or discipline of other persons who provide professional services (in particular, as it may relate to their involvement in or with licensed legal services providers).

(3) This Part is without prejudice to any function of a person or body—

(a) arising by virtue of the application of another enactment (or a regulatory rule made under another enactment), and

(b) to regulate in any respect the provision of any professional or other services by licensed legal services providers.

Commencement Information

I107 S. 89 in force at 2.7.2012 by S.S.I. 2012/152, art. 2, Sch.