Advertisement

A-G told to think again on scale fees

Reading Time:1 minute
Why you can trust SCMP
0

THE Law Society yesterday urged Attorney-General Jeremy Mathews to think twice about proposals to scrap the system for fixing the fees of lawyers involved in property sales.

Vice-president Patrick Sherrington said the society would be unable to finalise its counter-proposals to cutting the so-called scale fees before the Government's recommendation went to the Executive Council next week.

The society would seek the views of the profession once the counter-proposals were finalised, he said.

Mr Sherrington said the revamp in fees would lead to a reduction in conveyancing fees. But there would be disadvantages, including 'instability in the legal profession and cut-throat competition'.

The society was seeking support from Legislative Council members. Legco legal representative Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee and Mr Sherrington met six legislators, all solicitors, yesterday.

No consensus was reached during the two-hour meeting.

Advertisement