Question of ethics

Q Rule 14 of the Solicitors' Accounts Rules makes it clear that the name of a solicitor's client account should contain the word 'client'.

My bank has just issued a cheque book which contains the firm name and the client account number but does not contain the word 'client'.

May I use these cheques?

A Compliance with rule 14 ensures that clients, as well as the bank or building society, have the protection afforded to solicitors' client accounts under section 85 of the Solicitors' Act 1974.

You should contact your bank or building society and ask it to correct the error as a matter of urgency.

It may assist you to remind your bankers of the professional rules you are bound by.

If you need to issue a client account cheque before the amendment can be made, we suggest that you write the words 'client account' on the cheque and initial the change.

You should also notify the bank that you are doing this.

Please note

Guidance about the need for a practising certificate is now available on the Law Society's Web site under the 'What's New' banner at: www.lawsociety.org.uk and in print form from professional ethics.

The professional ethics lines are open for general enquiries between 11am and 1pm and 2pm and 4pm.

Please note that the lines are less busy in the afternoon.

We do take emergency calls outside these hours, tel: 0870 606 2577.

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.