Law Update: Counting the cost

Solicitors who fail to provide clients with the fullest possible information about costs in advance, or who exceed an estimate without warning, will be at risk of having their charges reduced. The Law Society's council was yesterday due to consider proposals introducing such moves under the society's powers to penalise inadequate professional services. Complaints about solicitors' charges are to be conciliated where possible.

The council will also consider a proposal to institute the right for beneficiaries of wills to challenge the charges of a solicitor executor, by applying for a remuneration certificate from The Law Society. The change has been recommended by the Legal Services Ombudsman, requiring a change in the law expected to come into force at the beginning of next year.