Did you know that The Law Society offers a wide range of helplines which provide advice and support for solicitors and members of their staff? Barbara Mackintosh a solicitor at the Law Society Practice Advice Service provides details.
About the Practice Advice Service
The Practice Advice Service is a dedicated support line staffed by eight experienced solicitors who answer questions from practitioners on all areas of legal practice, policy and procedure. Common queries relate to anti-money laundering, conveyancing, solicitors’ costs and probate, though assistance can be provided in most areas. In the event that a complex issue is raised, the team holds a weekly meeting where it draws on the experience in practice of the solicitors who work in the team and other sources of information within the Law Society. Practice Advice cannot provide legal advice.
The service is free and confidential. The majority of enquiries are received by telephone and are answered immediately. When enquiries are received by email, we aim to acknowledge and provide a verbal response within 24 hours. Here are some examples of the where we can help.
Money laundering
Practice Advice provides assistance in navigating the Law Society’s practice note on the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and related legislation. In light of the legislative changes and the potential criminal sanctions against solicitors for breaching such rules, the Practice Advice team is a useful starting point for providing clear and concise guidance to enable practitioners to focus on their duties and responsibilities. The sheer volume and diversity of calls received on this matter may well provide practitioners with reassurance that this minefield need not be crossed alone. Indeed, without discussing details, the team may refer to other similar cases and discuss principles on that basis to provide guidance.
Conveyancing
Practice Advice provides guidance and assistance on all stages of the transaction, including enquiries relating to current issues such as Land Registry requirements. If a policy issue is raised, this can be referred to a policy adviser for further guidance. Matters potentially affecting the profession as a whole may be referred to the Conveyancing and Land Law Committee for consideration.
Costs
Practice Advice has published a series of booklets that provide general information on costs. ‘Payment by results’ covers the often controversial and evolving areas involving contingency fees and conditional fee agreements. Our other booklets include ‘Contentious costs’ and ‘Non contentious costs’ Common queries relate to solicitors’ bills and potential challenges, and the team can assist by providing advice on the current guidelines regarding the various charging regimes.
Probate
Specialist cost-related queries relating to the administration of estates are common, as are queries on foreign assets in addition to general queries on practice and procedure. We also receive questions relating to tracing beneficiaries and the information which a solicitor should provide in relation to a disputed will.
Multi-party actions and group litigation orders
Practice Advice maintains a database of group litigation orders and is the first port of call for practitioners’ queries on details of potential and actual multi-party actions, and on firms who have registered their involvement with us. It is a requirement of the Civil Procedure Rules that all group litigaton orders are registered with Practice Advice.
Call Practice Advice on 0870 606 2522 or
email practiceadvice@lawsociety.org.uk
Lawyerline
Lawyerline is another solicitor staffed service which provides specific, bespoke advice on areas relating to client care and complaints handling. We provide advice to solicitors who may be developing or implementing their own internal complaints handling procedures in compliance with their professional obligations as set out in the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007.
Lawyerline is also able to provide guidance on the practice and procedure of the Legal Complaints Service. We can provide updates on the proposed reform and widening of the complaints handling system that is likely to occur with the opening of the Legal Ombudsman scheme in late 2010. Lawyerline promotes the message that if a complaint does arise, adopting good practice in complaints management can have a real benefit in changing a negative perception about the way a client may view your firm.
Call Lawyerline on 0870 606 2588 or email lawyerline@lawsociety.org.uk
Pastoral care
Practice Advice acts as a referral service, guiding solicitors, their staff or relatives to the relevant helpline for assistance with personal, professional, financial or employment difficulties.
Call Pastoral care on 020 7320 5795
