Knowledgebase
Lawcentres.org > Lawcentres > Knowledgebase

Remuneration Certificate

Solution Non-contentious work includes work that has been carried out on your behalf which does not relate to Court proceedings, or arbitrations. For example, conveyancing or the preparation of a will.

If you are unhappy with your solicitor's costs in relation to such matters you should ask your solicitor to request a Remuneration Certificate from the Law Society. We usually recommend that you make your request to your solicitor by fax and post so that you have proof of the request being made. Your request must be made within one month of receipt of your solicitors' bill.

This procedure is only available where the fees that your solicitor has charged you are less than £50,000 and you lose your right to request a Remuneration Certificate if you voluntarily pay the bill before making your request.

Your solicitor is entitled to insist that you pay 50% of the costs of the bill and all the disbursements and all the VAT before putting your request to the Law Society. It is sometimes possible to get a waiver from this requirement and you can do this through the written agreement of your Solicitor or by making an application to the Law Society.

You can also challenge non-contentious costs by having the bill assessed by the Court under the Solicitors Act 1974. The procedure is outlined below. If you do decide to proceed with Court assessment of your bill you will lose the right to request a Remuneration Certificate.

At present, the Remuneration Certificate procedure is free and the Law Society will examine your solicitor's files to establish how much is fair and reasonable for you to pay for the legal work carried out on your behalf. The rules relating to the Remuneration Certificate procedure are complex and can be found in the Solicitors' (Non-Contentious Business) Remuneration Order 1994 although we are more than happy to discuss any questions you may have in relation to this procedure.
 
Was this article helpful? yes / no
Article details
Article ID: 182
Category: Solicitors Bills and Charges
Date added: 16-02-2009 12:13:23
Views: 711
Rating (Votes): Article rated 3.2/5.0 (9)

 
<< Go back

Powered by Help desk software HESKTM