UK Act of Parliament 1985 United Kingdom

Administration of Justice Act 1985

An Act to make further provision with respect to the administration of justice and matters connected therewith; to amend the Solicitors Act 1974; to regulate the provision of solicitors’ services in the case of incorporated practices; to regulate the provision of conveyancing services by persons practising as licensed conveyancers; to …

Read the Act on legislation.gov.uk (opens in a new tab)
Enforced by
SRA, LSB
Status
Amended (in force with amendments)
Penalty ceiling
Prosecution 3 of 16 obligations carry a fine up to £1,000. 2 carry different penalties and 11 have no criminal penalty — flagged in the list below.

Does it bind you?

Business-side roles with duties under this instrument.

Any Person8 Employee2

Plus 6 duties on the regulator, Crown ministers and public bodies — folded into the section list below.

Other Acts binding the same actors

If a role above is yours, these are the other instruments that most often bind it.

Any Person — also bound by 2340 other Acts
Employee — also bound by 189 other Acts

What it requires

Sections creating concrete business duties or carrying penalties, grouped as the instrument is structured. Titles link to the source text — blue means you’re leaving for legislation.gov.uk.

Part 1

Solicitors

0 of 12 sections shown
12 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.001 Solicitors (opens in a new tab)
s.002 Examination of solicitors’ files in connection with complaints. (opens in a new tab)
s.003 Solicitors (opens in a new tab)
s.004 Issue of practising certificates subject to conditions. (opens in a new tab)
s.005 Conditions imposed on current certificates. (opens in a new tab)
s.006 Preparation of conveyancing documents by unqualified persons. (opens in a new tab)
s.007 Preparation of papers for probate (opens in a new tab)
s.008 Other amendments of Solicitors Act 1974. (opens in a new tab)
s.009 Recognition of legal services bodies and of sole solicitors’ practices (opens in a new tab)
s.009 Legal services bodies
s.010 Penalty for pretending to be a body recognised under s. 9. (opens in a new tab)
s.010 Penalty for sole solicitor pretending that practice is recognised
Part 2

Licensed Conveyancing

4 of 35 sections shown
s.019 Register of licensed conveyancers. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Notify the Council of changes to your business address within 14 daysAny Person
s.021 Professional indemnity and compensation. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Council must make rules for professional indemnity and compensation for licensed conveyancersStatutory regulator
s.022 Keeping of accounts and establishment of client accounts. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Council must make rules on accounts and client money for licensed conveyancersStatutory regulator
s.023 Interest on clients’ money. (opens in a new tab) Regulated
  • Account for interest on client money in prescribed casesAny Person
31 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.011 Provision of conveyancing services by licensed conveyancers. (opens in a new tab)
s.012 Establishment of the Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.013 Training rules. (opens in a new tab)
s.014 Applications for licences. (opens in a new tab)
s.015 Issue of licences by Council. (opens in a new tab)
s.016 Conditional licences. (opens in a new tab)
s.016 Additional fee payable by certain persons when applying for licences
s.017 Imposition of conditions during currency of licence. (opens in a new tab)
s.017 Variation of conditions
s.018 Suspension or termination of licences. (opens in a new tab)
s.020 Rules as to professional practice, conduct and discipline. (opens in a new tab)
s.024 Preliminary investigation of disciplinary cases. (opens in a new tab)
s.024 Determination of allegations by Investigating Committee
s.025 The Discipline and Appeals Committee. (opens in a new tab)
s.026 Proceedings in disciplinary cases. (opens in a new tab)
s.027 Removal of disqualification from holding a licence. (opens in a new tab)
s.028 Revocation of licence on grounds of fraud or error. (opens in a new tab)
s.029 Appeals from decisions of Council in relation to licences. (opens in a new tab)
s.030 Supplementary provisions relating to disciplinary and other proceedings. (opens in a new tab)
s.031 Intervention in licensed conveyancer’s practice and examination of files. (opens in a new tab)
s.032 Provision of conveyancing or other services by recognised bodies. (opens in a new tab)
s.032 Conveyancing services bodies
s.032 CLC practitioner services bodies
s.033 Legal professional privilege. (opens in a new tab)
s.033 Administration of oaths by licensed conveyancers or licensed CLC practitioners
s.034 Modification of existing enactments relating to conveyancing etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.035 Penalty for pretending to be a licensed conveyancer or recognised body. (opens in a new tab)
s.036 Offences by bodies corporate. (opens in a new tab)
s.037 Service of documents. (opens in a new tab)
s.038 Rules. (opens in a new tab)
s.039 Interpretation of Part II. (opens in a new tab)
Part 3

Legal Aid

0 of 7 sections shown
7 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.040 Legal aid complaints: preliminary. (opens in a new tab)
s.041 Application to legal aid complaints against barristers of disciplinary provisions. (opens in a new tab)
s.042 Exclusion of barristers from legal aid work. (opens in a new tab)
s.043 Jurisdiction and powers of Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal in relation to complaints against solicitors. (opens in a new tab)
s.044 Exclusion of solicitor from legal aid work. (opens in a new tab)
s.045 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (opens in a new tab)
s.046 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (opens in a new tab)
Part 4

The Supreme Court and County Courts

0 of 10 sections shown
10 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.047 Power of High Court to make judgments binding on persons who are not parties. (opens in a new tab)
s.048 Power of High Court to authorise action to be taken in reliance on counsel’s opinion. (opens in a new tab)
s.049 Powers of High Court on compromise of probate action. (opens in a new tab)
s.050 Power of High Court to appoint substitute for, or to remove, personal representative. (opens in a new tab)
s.051 Amendments relating to jurisdiction of county courts and district probate registrars in probate proceedings. (opens in a new tab)
s.052 Administrative and clerical expenses of garnishees. (opens in a new tab)
s.053 Reimbursement of additional costs resulting from death or incapacity of presiding judge etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.054 Register of county court judgments. (opens in a new tab)
s.055 Power of county court to grant relief from forfeiture for non-payment of rent. (opens in a new tab)
s.056 Interpretation of Part IV. (opens in a new tab)
Part 5

Miscellaneous and Supplementary

0 of 13 sections shown
13 other sections in this Part — procedural and definitional
s.057 Time limits for actions for libel and slander. (opens in a new tab)
s.058 Power of High Court to appoint an arbitrator on behalf of party in default. (opens in a new tab)
s.059 Pensions Appeal Tribunals: provision for appeals by non-residents to be heard in Scotland or Northern Ireland. (opens in a new tab)
s.060 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (opens in a new tab)
s.061 Constitution of [youth courts] in London. (opens in a new tab)
s.062 Amendments of Judicature (Northern Ireland) Act 1978. (opens in a new tab)
s.063 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (opens in a new tab)
s.064 Northern Ireland rules of court with respect to disclosure of expert evidence etc. (opens in a new tab)
s.065 Administration of oaths and taking of affidavits by public notaries in London. (opens in a new tab)
s.066 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (opens in a new tab)
s.067 Consequential amendments and repeals. (opens in a new tab)
s.068 Extent: power to make corresponding provision for Northern Ireland. (opens in a new tab)
s.069 Short title, commencement, transitional provisions and savings. (opens in a new tab)
Schedules

Schedules

12 of 132 shown
s.sch001 In section 21 (unqualified person not to pretend to be... Prosecution
  • Pretend to be a solicitor without qualificationsAny Person

Fine up to £2,500

s.sch001 In section 24 (application of penal provisions to body corporate)—... Prosecution
  • Breach penal provisions as a body corporateAny Person

Fine up to £2,500

s.sch002 (1) Section 42(1) and (1A) of the 1974 Act shall... Prosecution
  • Disqualified person seeking interest in recognised body without disclosureAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.sch002 (1) This paragraph applies where the Society is satisfied that—... Regulated
  • Comply with all requirements under the Administration of Justice Act 1985 and SRA rulesEmployee
s.sch002 (1) Section 41 of the 1974 Act (except subsection (4))... Regulated
  • Do not let disqualified solicitors become managers or owners without SRA permissionEmployee
s.sch003 (1) The Council shall keep proper accounts of all sums... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Council must keep proper accounts, appoint auditors, and publish audited accountsStatutory regulator
s.sch004 (1) The Council shall make rules about the procedure and... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Council must make fair-process rules for disciplinary hearingsStatutory regulator
s.sch004 (1) For the purposes of any proceedings before the Discipline... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • Discipline and Appeals Committee may compel witnesses and documentsTribunal / Court
s.sch005 Subject to any order for the payment of costs that... Regulated
  • Pay costs incurred by the Council for Schedule 5 purposesAny Person
s.sch005 (1) Without prejudice to paragraph 5, if the Council passes... Prosecution
  • Pay out client money after Council prohibition noticeAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.sch005 (1) The Council may give notice to the licensed conveyancer... Prosecution
  • Fail to produce documents when required by the CouncilAny Person

Fine up to £1,000

s.sch006 (1) The Investigating Committee shall carry out a preliminary investigation... Regulated
Other duties (1) — Crown / regulator
  • SRA Investigating Committee must investigate allegations against recognised bodiesStatutory regulator
120 other schedules
s.sch001 In section 3 (admission as solicitor), in subsection (3), for...
s.sch001 In section 43 (control of employment of certain clerks)—
s.sch001 . . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch001 In section 87 (interpretation)— (a) in subsection (1)—
s.sch001 (1) Schedule 1 (intervention in solicitor’s practice) shall be amended...
s.sch001 In Schedule 2 (the Compensation Fund), in paragraph 2(1)(b), omit...
s.sch001 In section 7 (entry of name and restoration of name...
s.sch001 In section 8 (removal or restoration of name at solicitor’s...
s.sch001 . . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch001 In section 13 (appeals in connection with issue of practising...
s.sch001 (1) Section 28 (regulations) shall be amended as follows.
s.sch001 In section 34 (accountants’ reports)— (a) in subsection (2), for...
s.sch002 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), references in this Schedule to...
s.sch002 Legal services practices: Supplementary Provisions
s.sch002 Legal services practices: Supplementary Provisions
s.sch002 Legal services practices: Supplementary Provisions
s.sch002 (1) The Society may give a notice under this paragraph...
s.sch002 (1) The Society may make regulations prescribing charges to be...
s.sch002 (1) A person may appeal against— (a) a decision by...
s.sch002 (1) The Society may give a notice under this paragraph...
s.sch002 Legal services practices: Supplementary Provisions
s.sch002 (1) The Tribunal shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine...
s.sch002 In subsections (9) to (11) of section 46 of the...
s.sch002 (1) Where on the hearing of any complaint made to...
s.sch002 (1) Where, on the hearing of any complaint made to...
s.sch002 Legal services practices: Supplementary Provisions
s.sch002 (1) A body may appeal to the High Court against—...
s.sch002 (1) Where the Tribunal makes any such order as is...
s.sch002 (1) Where— (a) any order is made by the Tribunal...
s.sch002 (1) In the provisions to which this paragraph applies—
s.sch002 (1) In relation to an order under section 56 of...
s.sch002 (1) This paragraph applies in relation to a contentious business...
s.sch002 (1) If, after some business has been done under a...
s.sch002 (1) Subject to the provisions of any rules of court,...
s.sch002 Any jurisdiction— (a) of the High Court to make any...
s.sch002 Any jurisdiction of the High Court to make, in the...
s.sch002 (1) Subsection (2A) of section 69 of the 1974 Act...
s.sch002 (1) This paragraph applies where rules made under section 32(1)...
s.sch002 Section 83 of the 1974 Act shall apply in relation...
s.sch002 Where rules made under section 32(1) . . . of...
s.sch002 Where rules made under section 32(1) of the 1974 Act...
s.sch002 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), where— (a) the Society is...
s.sch002 On the death of a solicitor practising as the sole...
s.sch002 The powers conferred by Part II of Schedule 1 to...
s.sch002 (1) Where the recognition of a body . . ....
s.sch002 In connection with the application of Part II of Schedule...
s.sch002 (1) Where a recognised body acts as such for a...
s.sch002 In the following provisions, namely— (a) sections 10(2), 48 and...
s.sch002 (1) Where rules made under section 32 of the 1974...
s.sch002 (1) This paragraph applies where rules made under section 33A(1)...
s.sch002 Where rules made under section 32 of the 1974 Act...
s.sch002 Where rules made under section 34 of the 1974 Act...
s.sch002 Where rules made under section 34 of the 1974 Act...
s.sch002 (1) Section 36 of the 1974 Act applies in relation...
s.sch002 In section 38 of the 1974 Act references to any...
s.sch002 Legal services practices: Supplementary Provisions
s.sch003 The Council shall be a body corporate.
s.sch003 (1) The expenses incurred by the Council in the discharge...
s.sch003 (1) The Council shall consist of— (a) not more than...
s.sch003 Constitution
s.sch003 (1) The Council shall prepare a scheme making provision as...
s.sch003 The Council shall have power to pay to the members...
s.sch003 The Council shall have power to do anything which in...
s.sch003 (1) The Council shall have power to appoint such officers...
s.sch003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
s.sch003 (1) The powers of the Council and of any of...
s.sch004 (1) For the purpose of advising the Discipline and Appeals...
s.sch004 (1) Every order of the Discipline and Appeals Committee under...
s.sch005 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), the powers conferred by Part...
s.sch005 (1) The High Court, on the application of the Council,...
s.sch005 (1) If the licensed conveyancer or his personal representative is...
s.sch005 The powers in relation to sums of money , documents...
s.sch005 (1) The High Court, on the application of the Council,...
s.sch005 On the death of a licensed conveyancer who immediately before...
s.sch005 The powers conferred by Part II of this Schedule shall...
s.sch005 (1) Where the powers conferred by Part II of this...
s.sch005 (1) The High Court, on the application of the Council,...
s.sch005 (1) Without prejudice to paragraph 5, if the Council passes...
s.sch005 (1) The Council may make rules governing its treatment of...
s.sch005 (1) If the Council takes possession of any sum of...
s.sch005 Without prejudice to paragraphs 5 to 7, if the High...
s.sch006 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), references in this Schedule to...
s.sch006 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), where— (a) the Council is...
s.sch006 The powers conferred by Part II of Schedule 5 shall...
s.sch006 (1) Where the recognition of a body . . ....
s.sch006 In connection with the application of Part II of Schedule...
s.sch006 (1) Where the Investigating Committee are satisfied that it is...
s.sch006 (1) Where rules made under section 22(3)(a) are applied to...
s.sch006 (1) Where rules made under section 22(2) and containing any...
s.sch006 In addition to the functions conferred on them by sections...
s.sch006 (1) Where, on hearing an allegation by virtue of paragraph...
s.sch006 (1) Where on the hearing of any allegation within paragraph...
s.sch006 (1) Where— (a) any order is made by the Discipline...
s.sch006 (1) Where the Committee make an order by virtue of...
s.sch006 (1) Where the Discipline and Appeals Committee are satisfied that...
s.sch006 (1) Where, in the case of any body . ....
s.sch006 (1) Paragraphs 1(2) and 2 of Schedule 4 shall have...
s.sch007 . . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch007 . . . . . . . . . ....
s.sch007 In section 48(2) (orders of Tribunal), for “section 47(2)” substitute...
s.sch007 In section 49(3) (appeals from Tribunal), at the end add...
s.sch007 In section 33 (effect of order of judge in probate...
s.sch007 In section 58(1) (persons who may take affidavits for use...
s.sch009 Section 1 applies in relation to services provided by a...
s.sch009 Subsection (6) of section 50 applies to an application under...
s.sch009 (1) Any order of the Lord Chancellor made, or having...
s.sch009 (1) Where immediately before the commencement of section 54 there...
s.sch009 The provisions inserted by subsections (4) and (5) of section...
s.sch009 Nothing in section 57 shall apply in relation to an...
s.sch009 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
s.sch009 Nothing in section 63 shall apply in relation to an...
s.sch009 Nothing in paragraph 6 or 7 of Schedule 1 shall...
s.sch009 Section 2 applies in relation to a complaint whether it...
s.sch009 In section 3— (a) subsection (1) applies in relation to...
s.sch009 In section 4— (a) subsections (2) and (4) apply to...
s.sch009 In section 6— (a) subsection (3) applies to acts done...
s.sch009 Where a person has committed an offence under section 23...
s.sch009 Any provision made by an order under subsection (7) of...
s.sch009 The repeal by this Act of the provisions referred to...
s.sch009 Each of sections 41 to 44 applies in relation to...

Help complying

Guvnor’s practical routes through this instrument.

Ongoing compliance for law firms

Learning path for maintaining regulatory compliance at an authorised law firm: annual renewal cycle, COLP and COFA reporting, client account management, AML …

Start a law firm in England and Wales

End-to-end learning path for setting up a law firm: choosing entity type, SRA authorisation, appointing COLP and COFA, professional indemnity insurance, client …

Law firm compliance quick check

Rapid compliance audit for law firms: SRA authorisation, practising certificates, PII, client accounts, AML, complaints procedure, price transparency, and the annual declaration.

Respond to an SRA investigation

Problem path for law firms facing SRA investigation: immediate steps, cooperation obligations, instructing specialist regulatory defence, responding to proposed conditions or fines, …

AML compliance for legal services

Learning path for law firms implementing anti-money laundering compliance: firm-wide risk assessment, client due diligence, source of funds verification, legal professional privilege …

Get SRA authorisation for your law firm

How to apply to the Solicitors Regulation Authority for authorisation to set up a law firm in England and Wales. Covers choosing …
4 more guides that reference this instrument
Apply for ABS licensing as an alternative business structure COLP and COFA: Roles, Responsibilities, and Reporting Comply with SRA Price Transparency Rules Comply with SRA Standards and Regulations

Duty extraction and severity labels are Guvnor’s analysis of the instrument, not the instrument itself. Always verify against the linked source text.