Australian Capital Territory Repealed Regulations

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This legislation has been repealed.

LEGAL PROFESSION (SOLICITORS) RULES 2006 (REPEALED) - RULE 3

Keeping the Client Informed

3. Keeping the Client Informed

3.1 A practitioner must give the client the following information in writing as soon as practicable after receipt of new instructions:

    (a) The name of the practitioner responsible for the day to day conduct of the matter and, if appropriate, the name of the principal responsible for supervising the management of the matter and the role that principal will have in the matter.

    (b) The basis on which costs will be charged and, if reasonably possible, an estimate of those costs including disbursements and counsel’s fees, billing intervals and payment arrangements.

3.2 Both at the outset and during the course of the matter, the practitioner should cause the client to be informed, where appropriate, as to the issues raised by the matter, the steps which are likely to be required, how long it is likely to be before it is concluded and progress from time to time, and the client’s prospects of success.

3.3 During the course of the matter, if unexpected delay occurs, the practitioner should provide the client with an explanation of such delay including whether or not it is within the control of the person responsible for the matter to resolve such delay.

3.4 A practitioner need not comply with Rules 3.1 and 3.2 above in the following circumstances:

    (a) when undertaking work of a repetitive nature for the same client;

    (b) where the client is a long standing client of the practitioner or the practitioner’s firm;

    (c) where it is not considered necessary, on reasonable grounds, by the practitioner to provide the information taking into account the knowledge and experience of the client in dealing with solicitors;

    (d) where the practitioner reasonably anticipates that the matter will be billed and concluded within 21 days;

    (e) where the practitioner reasonably anticipates that the amount of the bill, excluding outlays, will be less than $500.00 or such other sum as the Council determines from time to time.

3.5 A practitioner should within a reasonable time of completion of the matter render to the client a memorandum of fees in writing sufficient to identify the general nature of the professional work or services performed.

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