The Gazette 1955-58

THE INCORPORATED LAW SOCIETY OF IRELAND, SOLICITORS' BUILDINGS, FOUR COURTS, DUBLIN, N.W.8. C/42/'j7. z6ft July, 1957. SOLICITORS REMUNERATION GENERAL ORDER 1957 Dear Sir/Madam, The Council of the Incorporated Law Society of Ireland have seen a copy of an anonymous com munication which has been circulated to certain members of the Dail and Seanad. The memorandum is a complete misrepresentation of the facts in so far as it states or suggests that the effect of the Order would be (a) to abolish the present system of taxation of costs by independent officers of the court, or (If) to remove all limitations on costs and make solicitors the sole judges of reasonable pro fessional charges, or (i) to relieve solicitors from the obligation of vouching their professional charges and dis bursements. The true position in respect of these matters is the converse of what is stated or suggested in the memorandum, which contains other misrepresenta tions and inaccuracies. The internal evidence in the memorandum is strongly indicative that its author has a vested interest in the perpetuation of the present expensive and complicated system but is not a person who is at all concerned with the interests of clients. It is noteworthy that he has apparently obtained in formation concerning the order prior to its signature. The draft Order has been approved by the Statutory Committee under the Solicitors' Re muneration Act 1881 consisting of the Chief Justice, The President of the High Court, the Senior Ordinary Judge of the Supreme Court and the President of this Society. It is inconceivable that such a Committee would act without careful con sideration. The Council of this Society are confident that no fair minded person will allow his views to be coloured by an anonymous communication the only possible effect of which could be to create bias. A factual statement is enclosed for the informa tion of those who are interested in acquainting themselves with the true position. Yours faithfully, ERIC A. PLUNKETT, Secretary.

C/42/'j 7. SOLICITORS REMUNERATION GENERAL ORDER 1957 COSTS IN NON-CONTENTIOUS MATTERS 1. This Order which has been approved in principle but not yet signed is the work of a Com mittee consisting of four persons namely, the Chief Justice, the President of the High Court, the Senior Ordinary Judge of the Supreme Court and the President of the Incorporated Law Society who is the only solicitor on the Committee. This Com mittee of eminence and impartiality have paid due regard to all relevant matters before approving the Order. 2. The Order which has been approved by the Statutory Committee deals only with parts of a solicitor's business and these are entirely uncon nected with Court proceedings. The costs of Court business are prescribed by different rules and have not been changed. 3. The main effect of the new Order is to sub stitute for a lengthy and involved bill of costs such sum as is fair and reasonable having regard to all the relevant circumstances and in particular :— (a) the complexity or difficulty of the case. (b) the amount or value of the property involved. (