The remuneration certificate process is removed

Clients who dispute a bill in a non-contentious matter no longer have the right to request that their solicitor obtain a remuneration certificate.
 
This was made pursuant to the Solicitors’ (Non-Contentious Business) Remuneration Order 2009, made on 16 July 2009 and is applicable to all non-contentious bill issued on or after 11 August 2009.
 
This Order was made hurriedly and, therefore, the Solicitors Regulation Authority introduced an 'emergency' rule to the Solicitors' Code of Conduct 2007 to preserve clients’ existing statutory rights to information about remuneration, while consulting on the introduction of a definitive rule. Customers who are unhappy with their bill are still able to complain to the Legal Complaints Service.

The Law Society has issued a practice note explaining these changes. Solicitors can contact Lawyerline on 0870 606 2588 for further information.