Question of ethics

Q I have been asked to be a director of a company for which I have acted for several years.

I would like to accept as long as this will not breach any professional rule.A You are permitted to take up this invitation to become a director.

However, bear in mind that situations might arise where you cannot advise the company because of your personal interest, see principle 15.04, note 10 of the Guide to the Professional Conduct of Solicitors, 1999, eighth edition, page 318.

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.

An information pack including the draft rules is now available from professional ethics.

l 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;tel: 020 7242 1222.