Mandatory solicitors for both sides ‘would double farm transfer fees’

Solicitors’ fees for farm transfers will double up if the Law Society approves task force proposal to impose mandatory representation for both sides of all property deals, warns the ICMSA.

The Law Society’s council is to meet this Friday to discuss the task force’s proposal to make separate legal representation mandatory for both sides of all property transfers, even when the transfer is voluntary.

However, the ICMSA has challenged the Law Society’s moral authority to impose regulations from which its members stand to benefit substantially, citing average fees of €4,000 per solicitor per property deal.