Solicitors have been warned they face disciplinary action, including criminal sanctions, if they deal with unauthorised claims management companies after new rules came into force this week.


Firms offering regulated claims management services must be authorised by the Department for Constitutional Affairs' claims management regulation unit. Authorised companies must comply with new rules of conduct covering advertising, marketing, complaints, information to clients and soliciting business.



Peter Williamson, chairman of the Solicitors Regulation Authority, said: 'We expect solicitors to take care that they are only using companies that are properly regulated.'



Speaking at the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers' conference last week, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, said he had 'had enough of personal injury lawyers' reputations being dragged through the mud because of the unscrupulous behaviour of some claims management companies.'



See also By the Book



Anita Rice