What is intervention?

Intervention is a power given to the Law Society by the Solicitors Act 1974 (as amended). It has the effect of vesting in the Law Society all practice money. The Law Society also takes possession of the practice papers. This includes all client files and documents, all accounting records and financial information, and all money in all client and office accounts. The Society appoints a local solicitor to act as its Intervention Agent.

What is the role of the Intervention Agent?

The Agent will take possession of all such papers and money, contact clients to explain the situation, and pass the client papers to the client or elsewhere in accordance with the client's instructions. The Agent will also carry out a reconciliation and verification of the accounts of the practice - if this is satisfactory, then the Agent will distribute any money held to those beneficially entitled to it.

In effect the intervention therefore amounts to the immediate closure of the firm. Often the Practising Certificate of the intervened solicitor is suspended.

It is not the Agent's function to continue the practice of the intervened firm. The Agent will deal with urgent matters such as conveyancing completions and imminent court hearings but will otherwise proceed to wind the practice down as outlined.