In-house solicitors campaigning to pay a lower practising certificate (PC) fee than their private practice counterparts were given a glimmer of hope by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) last week.


The SRA board did not approve a set of principles on fees, in part because of calls to set a differential PC fee for in-house solicitors led by the Metropolitan Police lawyer and board member Edward Solomons.



The principles said that although in-house solicitors may require limited regulatory oversight, 'it must be remembered that the practising certificate represents a licence for individuals to hold themselves out as solicitors'. They said changes the Legal Services Bill will bring about may mean the SRA will look at differential fees in the future, but recommended no change until then.



Mr Solomons said in-house solicitors' case had 'great force'. Other members with in-house experience backed him. With other principles also questioned, chairman Peter Williamson decided against a vote.