QUESTION_OF_ETHICS

A No, not without first obtaining either:l an informed authority from the client; orl a written authority from the Law Society pursuant to...A No, not without first obtaining either:l an informed authority from the client; orl a written authority from the Law Society pursuant to rule 22(1)(h) Solicitors Accounts Rules 1998.An information leaflet about applications under rule 22(1)(h) is available from the professional ethics department.

Some charities, including the Solicitors Benevolent Association, offer solicitors an indemnity against future claims by clients.

Q I am acting on the administration of an estate.

Who is my client?A The personal representatives will be your clients see question 1 in paragraph 24.02 in Guide to the Professional Conduct of Solicitors, 1999, eighth edition, page 449.Please NoteLimited liability partnerships (LLPs)The government has announced that the legislative changes to provide for LLPs will come into force on 6 April 2001.

However, it does not follow that practitioners will be able to convert to LLP status on that date.

The process will involve two successive steps registration as an LLP at Companies House followed by recognition as a recognised body by the Law Society under the new Solicitors Incorporated Practice Rules 2001.

These rules will regulate all incorporated practices, whether companies or LLPs.

The working draft of the rules may be obtained from professional ethics.

There will be a mention here when further guidance is available.l Question of ethics is compiled by the Law Societys professional ethics guidance team.

Send questions for publication to Austin OMalley, the Law Society, Ipsley Court, Berrington Close, Redditch B98 0TD; DX 19114 Redditch;tel: 020 7242 1222.