Solicitors will have to provide extra information about their services this year
Solicitors will have to provide extra information about their services this year under the new EU Services Directive.
As of 28 December 2009, solicitors have to go beyond the requirements of the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct. Under the Directive solicitors are required to:
l make available the contact details of their professional indemnity insurers and identify the jurisdictions to which this insurance applies.
This information can be provided on the firm’s website, in writing at the firm’s place of business or in a client care letter; and inform clients and customers about the Legal Complaints Service.
Other information requirements may apply in certain cases.
The Law Society says it will issue a practice note to advise solicitors in more detail.Simon Young, solicitor and legal management and training consultant, says: “This is unlikely to cause firms problems unless they are in the murky waters of the assigned risks pool. However, it may cause insurers concern, because they tend to take the view that they don’t like consumers to be aware of the extent of coverage available.”
