Do partners have to sign bills?

Must a partner of the firm sign all bills before delivery to the client?

No. Schedule 16, s64(3) of the Legal Services Act 2007, which came into force in March 2008, amended s69 of the Solicitors Act 1974 which necessitated this.

However, by virtue of sub-section (2A), the bill must be signed by the solicitor; or on his behalf by an employee of the solicitor authorised by him to sign; or enclosed in, or accompanied by, a letter which is signed and refers to the bill.

If the bill is not properly signed it is still valid but may be unenforceable in the courts.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this article, it does not constitute legal advice and cannot be relied upon as such. The Law Society does not accept any responsibility for liabilities arising as a result of reliance upon the information given.

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