PUBLIC FAMILY LAW AND SOLICITORS

Early day motion 1737, tabled 20 June 2007 by John Hemming (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 21 members.

That this House notes that it is common practice for a firm of solicitors to perform outsourced work for a local authority and also to represent parents when parties in cases against the same local authority; notes and is surprised that this conflict of interest is acceptable under the professional conduct rules; understands that some parents would be surprised to find that this is the case; and calls for the Law Society to require that parents be asked to confirm in writing that they recognise that the firm they are instructing is conflicted in this way as part of the client engagement process.

Signatures by party: Labour 12, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.