Question of ethics

Q I am acting for a buyer in a conveyancing transaction and the seller has decided to represent himself.

Do I necessarily have to follow the guidance on dealing with unqualified conveyancers which is set out in principle 25.07 in the Guide to the Professional Conduct of Solicitors, 1999, eighth edition?A The guidance set out in principle 25.07 refers to the situation where the other party is represented by an unqualified conveyancer.

It is not of any relevance where the other party is acting in person.Please noteLimited liability partnershipsThe legislative changes which provide for limited liability partnerships (LLPs) came into force on 6 April 2001.

For practitioners to 'convert' to LLP status, 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 also came into force on 6 April 2001 and now regulate all incorporated practices, whether they are companies or LLPs.An information pack including the new rules is 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.