Legal Services Bill [HL]

I am again grateful to the noble Lord, and I will be brief. We want to consider the amendments. I understand why the Law Society may wish to have statutory powers to rebuke, reprimand or fine a solicitor, but I am concerned to ensure that we have fully considered the implications in relation to the Law Society’s power to fine, rebuke and reprimand before I agree to take forward amendments similar to those proposed. I want to think a bit more about the circumstances in which a fine or rebuke might be issued, the rights of appeal that could be available to solicitors and the maximum level of financial penalty. Provided that noble Lords are content and that the noble Lord, Lord Kingsland, is happy, I shall take these amendments away, consider them further and return to the issue on Report.