Solicitors' Duties and Liabilities 2nd ed

This authoritative and comprehensive guide examines the principal obligations of a solicitor in private practice. It covers the main areas of operating a practice and the relationship with the client, from commencement to termination of the retainer.

The work provides a thorough analysis of the obligations that solicitors owe to clients, third parties, the court and the State and the liabilities for failing to meet these obligations. In addition to duties that have been created by regulation, the book looks in depth at the many instances where they have been created and extended through common law by decisions of the courts.

The book, previously published by Sweet & Maxwell, takes account of all of the recent significant case law in these areas including Marks & Spencer v Freshfields, Hilton v Barker, Booth and Eastwood, and Football League v Edge Ellison. The author offers practical guidance and advice on key topics in this area, including:

• the retainer
• the solicitor’s authority to act for a client
• privilege
• the duty of confidence
• conflicts of interest.

The commentary is supported by a range of supplementary materials including the Solicitors’ Code of Conduct and the Solicitors Act 1974.