Q. I am a sole practitioner. As I come within the transitional provisions in practice rule 13, I do not have to meet the requirements for a 'solicitor qualified to supervise'. I understand the proposed new rules do not have transitional provisions and their implementation will bring an end to the current transitional provisions. Is that correct?

A. Yes, that is correct. You have time to do your 12 hours management training because the new rules are unlikely to come into effect before 2006. However, you should do the training as soon as possible because the exact implementation date is still unknown.





Q. I understand that there are going to be new practice rules dealing with conflict and confidentiality. Is this correct? I understood that a new rulebook is being prepared. Why are we having new practice rules if that is the case?


A. You are right. But as the work has been done on conflict and confidentiality, and they are such important issues for solicitors, it was decided to bring the new rules into force as practice rules as soon as possible. They will ultimately appear in a slightly different style (but in substance predominantly the same) in the new rulebook. It is thought that the new conflict and confidentiality practice rules will come into force this summer, with the new rulebook coming into force in its entirety in 2006. Additional information will be given about timings when we have a clearer idea of the timetable. To look at the new practice rules on conflict and confidentiality, visit: www.lawsociety.org.uk.


Question of ethics is compiled by the Law Society's professional ethics guidance team. Send questions for publication to Austin O'Malley, the Law Society, Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch B98 0TD; DX 19114 Redditch