Judicial Factor appointed

The Law Society of Scotland, as part of its regulatory function, has asked the Court of Session to appoint a Judicial Factor to the firm Highland Law Practice in Wick.

The interim factor was appointed by the court yesterday (Wednesday, February 15).

The application was made to the court to protect the clients' interests after the Law Society inspected the firm's books and became concerned about the firm's accounting records.

Any clients of the firm who have concerns can contact the Judicial Factor's team on 0131 476 8195.

Notes to editors:

Judicial Factors

The Judicial Factor is an Officer of the Court and acts independently of the Law Society of Scotland.

The Law Society of Scotland's compliance team carries out regular inspections of all solicitor firms in Scotland to ensure that they comply with rules on dealing with clients' money. If an inspector suspects that client money is missing or the accounting records are so poor they cannot tell if client money is missing, the Law Society of Scotland can request the Court of Session to appoint a Judicial Factor to that firm to protect the public and other solicitors. The decision to make the appointment is for the Court.

When a Judicial Factor is appointed by the Courts, the solicitors' practising certificates are suspended.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Journalists can contact Suzy Powell on 0131 476 8115 or Val McEwan on 0131 226 8884. For the out of hours service please call 0131 226 7411.

Email: suzypowell@lawscot.org.uk or valeriemcewan@lawscot.org.uk

To keep up to date with the Society's news sign up to its monthly e-bulletin: www.lawscot.org.uk/e-bulletin

16 February 2012