Notice of a solicitor's lien can be given before the lien crystallises, but the adequacy of that notice must be assessed at the time of the dealing with the affected property, having regard to all intervening circumstances including lapse of time, change of solicitors, and failure to reassert the lien. An authority to receive signed by the client, without express reference to costs or a lien, may be insufficient to constitute notice of a lien, particularly where circumstances have changed significantly since the authority was given. The question whether imputed notice through a former solicitor is sufficient (as opposed to actual notice) remains open.
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