Profession's money laundering challenge

Solicitors' disclosure duties to be tested in appeal court

News, 21 October 2004

The Court of Appeal is to hear a test case on the extent of legal advisers' duties of disclosure under the money laundering legislation.

The Law Society of England and Wales has been permitted to join the proceedings, which concern an appeal by Jennifer Bowman in her claim for a share of property in the name of her former partner William Fels, it is reported today.

Ms Bowman's solicitors made a disclosure to the National Criminal Intelligence Service and suspended work on the case without telling Mr Fels or his solicitors why - as is commonly understood to be the solicitor's duty in such circumstances. But the judge at first instance held that Mr Fels's solicitors should have been told the reason.

It is understood that a hearing has been set for next month.

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