The chairman of the profession's second biggest practitioner group - the 5,000-strong Solicitors Family Law Association (SFLA) - has resigned in protest over what he says is its failure to take sufficient action over unpopular provisions in the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Bristol-based sole practitioner David Burrows, who has headed the SFLA since March 2003, stepped down last week because its national committee decided not to challenge parts of the Act that require solicitors to report clients for suspected crimes, such as benefit fraud and tax evasion.

Mr Burrows said clients should be able to talk to their solicitors in confidence, and complained about provisions requiring practitioners to advise their clients to disclose all their financial details to the court, even if it means they incriminate themselves.

'The legislation profoundly affects the human rights of clients and breaches the common law relating to privilege,' he argued.

'I thought the SFLA was ideally placed to bring a challenge in relation to this, but they did not see it like that.

Now I will be seeking support [from the profession] to bring a challenge myself.'

He added: 'I feel very sad about this, but I feel I had no choice.'

An SFLA spokeswoman acknowledged there was 'widespread concern' among members over the Act, but said the SFLA did not believe it was the appropriate body to issue a challenge.

'SFLA regrets that matters could not be resolved in another way, but [we] respect David's principled position as chair,' she added.

The SFLA's is expected to appoint vice-chairwoman Kim Beatson, family law head at London firm Anthony Gold, as acting chairwoman until its elections next month.

By Paula Rohan