Letter: Balanced approach?

Members will be familiar with the rules governing client balances held after the conclusion of a matter, and our obligation to return client balances promptly as soon as there is no longer any reason to retain the money. From 31 October 2015 a rule breach relating to such balances is reported to the Guarantee Fund Subcommittee [Client Protection Subcommittee].

Therefore, on having made an overpayment to the Law Society of Scotland in respect of a trainee's practising certificate in the sum of £22.92, it came as something of a surprise to us to learn that the Society themselves “do not normally refund anything under £50; if your credit balance is more than this and you wish to receive a refund, please return the tear off slip”.