How many solicitors obey the law by giving cost estimates in advance?

THE first time I heard the word “disingenuous” was in a court where a barrister, during the joust, described her “friend” (the opposing barrister, for those who don’t understand the parlance of such antiquated legal niceties) as being less than wholly truthful.

I was reminded of this scenario as I read of the latest morsel of quality standards proffered by the legal profession — the recent ruling announced by the Bar Council requiring its members to provide fee estimates (in advance, one presumes) for services to be provided.

Now I would ask readers to reflect on what happens with the other arm of legal advocacy — solicitors.

Section 68 of the Solicitors Act 1994 sets out a clear requirement for solicitors to provide such written estimates of costs to clients. How many clients have had written estimates in advance from their solicitors?

More importantly, can anyone remember publication of successful proceedings against any errant solicitor for non-compliance with this law?

My case for independent quality control of legal costs rests.

Liam Ó Gógáin

1 Muirhevna

Dublin Road

Dundalk

Co Louth