Solicitors given new client communication guidance

New guidance for solicitors on client communication has been issued to solicitors by the Law Society of Scotland.

The new version, a substantial revision of the 2005 guidance, explains the operation of rule B4 of the solicitors' practice rules, which covers the issuing of terms of business letters, and comes into effect on 1 June 2016.

The guidance was originally compiled after it became mandatory for solicitors to issue terms of business letters to clients in all transactions (subject to certain limited exceptions).

As well as expanded sections dealing with the work covered and who will do it, how fees will be charged, and legally aided clients, and an additional section covering complaints, the new version advises on a number of things solicitors "should think about" whe drafting terms of business letters, such as method of communication, timescales, client's responsibilities, equality and diversity, outsourcng and agency work, and alternative dispute resolution.

Solicitors are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the terms of the new guidance before 1 June.

For further information, solicitors can contact the Society's Professional Practice team on 0131 226 8896 or by email: profprac@lawscot.org.uk.

Click here to access the new guidance.