Reporting certain irregularities and suspected irregularities
24 Reporting certain irregularities and suspected irregularities
As soon as practicable after a legal practitioner associate of a law practice becomes aware that there is an irregularity in any of the practice's trust accounts or trust ledger accounts, the associate must give written notice of the irregularity to—
the
Society; and
if a corresponding authority is responsible for the regulation of the accounts concerned—the corresponding authority.
Maximum penalty: $50 000.
If a legal practitioner believes on reasonable grounds that there is an irregularity in connection with the receipt, recording or disbursement of any trust money received by a law practice of which the practitioner is not a legal practitioner associate, the practitioner must, as soon as practicable after forming the belief, give written notice of it to—
the
Society; and
if a corresponding authority is responsible for the regulation of the accounts relating to the trust money concerned—the corresponding authority.
Maximum penalty: $50 000.
The validity of a requirement imposed on a legal practitioner under subclause (1) or (2) is not affected, and the practitioner is not excused from complying with subclause (1) or (2), on the ground that giving the notice may tend to incriminate the practitioner.
A legal practitioner is not liable for any loss or damage suffered by another person as a result of the practitioner's compliance with subclause (1) or (2).
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