Question Of Ethics
Q I am setting up a solicitor's practice in Jersey.
Are there any rules that govern the practice and in particular do I have to use the word 'solicitor' on the notepaper or say that the Law Society regulates me?A A solicitor who practises as such outside of England and Wales must comply with the Solicitors' Overseas Practice Rules 1990.
These rules were amended in November 2001, and no longer lay down any specific requirements as to how you are held out on your notepaper.
However, you must ensure that the notepaper is not misleading - see practice rule 5.
In particular, you will have to make sure that you do not inadvertently give the impression that you are a solicitor of the jurisdiction of Jersey.
Q I have a Euro account which, although I intend using it in the future, has not as yet held any funds.
I bank on line and despite my requests to the bank that it send me bank statements every month it says this is not necessary.
Who is right?A At the moment because the account does not hold any funds you do not have to obtain monthly statements from the bank in order to do your reconciliations.
However, once the account holds funds, the situation changes and you must obtain statements direct from the bank at least every month for you to do your reconciliations.
It is not sufficient for you to print them off the Internet.
See note (ix) to rule 32 of the Solicitors' Accounts Rules 1998.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.
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