The Gazette 1967/71

a retainer of 100 gns. per annum from a Company. During the course of the year they attended on the clients on several matters. They asked for the Society's view as to the matters which would normally be covered by the retainer and the matters for which charges might be made in addition to the retaining fee. The Council, on a report from a committee, stated that in agreeing a retainer to the solicitor should stipulate precisely the work which would be covered. In the absence of agreement the Council stated that the retainer would cover general day to day advice and attend ance at board and company meetings when re quested but would not cover such matters as the institution or defence of proceedings or convey ancing. Circularising clients The Council, on a report from a committee, stated that there is no professional objection to circularising clients on behalf of whom the solicitor holds wills to ascertain whether the wills have been revoked or whether any deaths have occurred or if financial legislation may be calculated to influence the minds of testators since they made their wills. A solicitor taking over another practice, or the vendor's solicitor of the executors of a deceased solicitor selling the practice, may write to the clients of the practice notifying them of the change. TRAINING IN COMMUNICATIONS Members of the profession in the course of their professional life, or in connection with other in terests, may be invited to appear on television or in radio presentations. The majority are aware that the standard techniques of public speaking do not apply to either of these media and some specialist training is necessary. Facilities for this training are being widely used in industry, by trade unions and by the clergy. To provide similar facilities for solicitors the Society is planning a course at the Communica tions Centre, Booterstown, Dublin. This is expec ted to be a five night practical course (three hours per night) and the fee will be £10, payable by the member through the Society. The course will be

limited to 30 participants. Members who are interested in this development are asked to inform the Secretary as soon as possible in order that arrangements may be completed. SOLICITORS COSTS OF FIRST LEASE OR PURCHASE OF NEW HOUSE Statement by the Council The total legal costs incurred by the purchaser/ mortgagor of a new house has been the subject of considerable adverse comment in the press and elsewhere. In the view of the Council the adverse comment is occasioned by three factors: — 1. The imposition on the mortgagor of the mortgagee's solicitor's costs. 2. The imposition on the purchaser of the vendor's lessor's or builder's costs by means of the imposition on him of charges for copy documents of title, declarations of identity and other docu ments which are necessary to enable him to obtain a mortgage. 3. The lack of uniformity in the costs charged to the purchaser/mortgagor particularly where the sale is by way of building agreement and agree ments for lease. The Council propose to make representations to building societies and other lending institutions with a view to having the mortgagee's solicitor's costs added to the amount of the advance or alternatively to have the lending institutions bear their own costs. The Council have passed the following resolu tions to deal with the other two factors: — 1. Agreements for the sale of new houses should not unduly restrict the title offered to the purchaser and should provide for the furnishing to the purchase without cost to him of all copy documents and declarations necessary to enable him to obtain a loan. In particular the following documents should be furnished to the purchases where applicable without charge: — Copy documents of book of title including

certified copy negative searches. Statutory declaration of identity. Certificate of compliance with

building

covenant.

229