Can a solicitor act for both sides?
Asked by: Florencio Barrows | Last update: August 28, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (4 votes)
Dual representation of both buyer and seller was common, but doesn't happen often now, due to the risk of a conflict of interest. There are limited circumstances in which one solicitor firm might be able to act for both the buyer and seller; it is safest to instruct independent solicitors.
Can two people use the same solicitor?
Most of the time, the buyer and seller can use the same conveyancing solicitor, provided there is no conflict of interest. Continue reading our article below to find out benefits of using the same solicitor for both parties, what the regulations say and how to limit any conflict of interest.
Can a solicitor act on my behalf?
As a client, you can engage a solicitor to handle various legal tasks on your behalf. They help you take care of contracts, property transactions, or personal matters such as wills and probate. Additionally, in certain circumstances, a solicitor may act as your agent to sign documents or contracts on your behalf.
Can a lawyer represent two clients in the same case?
Rule 7 of the Rules of Professional Conduct of the State Bar states that: "A member of the State Bar shall not represent conflicting interests, except with the consent of all parties concerned."
What is the rule 34 for solicitors conduct?
34 Rules as to professional practice, conduct and discipline. S. (1)Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the Council may, if they think fit, make rules for regulating in respect of any matter the professional practice, conduct and discipline of solicitors [F1and incorporated practices].
Can a Solicitor act for both parties???
What is the golden rule for solicitors?
The substance of the Golden Rule is that where a solicitor is instructed to prepare a will for an aged testator or for one who has been seriously ill, he should arrange for a medical practitioner to satisfy himself as to the capacity and understanding of the testator and to make a contemporaneous record of his ...
What is rule 33 objection?
Unlike Rules 30(d) and 37(a), Rule 33 imposes no sanction of expenses on a party whose objections are clearly unjustified. Rule 33 assures that the objections will lead directly to court, through its requirement that they be served with a notice of hearing.
What happens if both parties have the same lawyer?
Oppositions & Conflicts of Interest
Any attorney that represents one of you will not be permitted to also represent the other because this would create a conflict of interest.
Can a lawyer represent their girlfriend?
It is generally considered a conflict of interest for an attorney to represent both parties in a legal matter, particularly in cases where there may be opposing interests.
What is the rule 1.7 in ethics?
Rule 1.7 - Conflict of Interest: General Rule (a) A lawyer shall not represent a client if the lawyer's ability to consider, recommend, or carry out a course of action on behalf of the client will be adversely affected by the lawyer's responsibilities to another client or to a third person, or by the lawyer's own ...
What are the disadvantages of using a solicitor?
One of a few downsides to getting a solicitor to negotiate your financial settlement on your behalf is expense. Depending on your situation, negotiations can take a long time. As most solicitors charge by the hour this can end up running into a large bill.
Can a lawyer switch sides?
Thus, it seems that when lawyers are faced with a conflict of interest, the only acceptable option is to decline representation of the new client. While one could attempt to represent the new client and simply refrain from disclosing confidential information of the former client, it is usually not a wise option.
Does a solicitor have to be a lawyer?
It has long been possible to become a solicitor without a Law degree. Previously, students took the GDL conversion course before sitting the LPC exam. This route is still possible, though candidates will incur hefty fees.
Can 2 lawyers work together?
It is legally permissible for a client to hire more than one lawyer to work on a single legal issue. Clients may do this to leverage different expertise or resources that various attorneys can provide.
Can I choose my own solicitor?
Yes. Although insurers will place a strong emphasis on you staying with their panel solicitors, there is no obligation for you to do this. In fact, under the Insurance Companies (Legal Expenses Insurance) Regulations Act 1990, policyholders have the freedom to choose their own legal representation.
Can a solicitor be a partner?
Becoming a partner is, for some solicitors, a lifetime ambition and a real marker for success in their careers. Currently, the Scottish legal profession has about 3300 partners in private practice, made up of the two streams of salaried partners and equity partners.
Who do lawyers marry most?
Of course, the first profession I looked at was lawyers. Unsurprisingly, it turns out that most lawyers marry other lawyers. But male lawyers also marry schoolteachers, secretaries, and miscellaneous managers. And lesbian lawyers marry people in other computer occupations.
Can a lawyer represent both husband and wife?
Because the spouses aren't fighting with one another, they think one attorney can represent both of their interests while saving them the cost of hiring a second attorney. However, in many family law situations, one attorney cannot represent both spouses due to potential conflicts of interest.
Can I ask my lawyer on a date?
A lawyer shall not have sexual relations with a client unless a consensual sexual relationship existed between them when the client-lawyer relationship commenced.
Can lawyers have dual relationships?
Like most professions, lawyers cannot have a sexual relationship with a current client, unless it pre-dated the representation. [1] However, as soon as the representation ends, counselors at law may begin a romantic relationship with a former client.
Do I need a divorce lawyer if we agree on everything?
Divorcing Spouses Should Still Hire Divorce Lawyers Even if They Seem to Agree. In addition to being emotionally painful, divorcing your spouse is a legally complex process. Issues such as property division, alimony, and child support involve several legal and factual determinations.
Can one person have two powers of attorney?
It is often more convenient to have two separate Powers of Attorney -- one for financial duties and one for health care decisions.
What is the rule 404 objection?
This rule provides that evidence of other crimes, wrongs, or acts is not admissible to prove character but may be admissible for other specified purposes such as proof of motive.
What is rule 47?
The court may permit the parties or their attorneys to examine prospective jurors or may itself do so. If the court examines the jurors, it must permit the parties or their attorneys to make any further inquiry it considers proper, or must itself ask any of their additional questions it considers proper.
How many objections are allowed in court?
Getting back to the headline of today's article, there are NO LIMITS to how many times an attorney can object at trial. However, keep in mind that just BECAUSE AN ATTORNEY CAN object, doesn't mean he SHOULD.