Hong Kong Regulations

SOLICITORS' PRACTICE RULES - RULE 5B

Powers of Council

(1) In order to ascertain whether the provisions of these rules have been
complied with, the Council, acting either-

   (a)  on its own motion; or

   (b)  on a written complaint lodged with it by a third party, may require
        any solicitor to produce at such time and place as may be fixed by the
        Council, his books of account, bank pass books, loose-leaf bank
        statements, statements of account, vouchers and any other necessary
        documents for the inspection of any person appointed by the Council,
        and such person shall be directed to prepare for the information of
        the Council a report on the result of such inspection and any such
        report may be used as a basis for proceedings under the Ordinance.

(2) Upon being required so to do a solicitor shall produce such books of
account, bank pass books, loose-leaf bank statements, statements of account,
vouchers and documents at the time and place fixed.

(3) Before instituting an inspection on a written complaint lodged with it by
a third party, the Council shall require prima facie evidence that a ground of
complaint exists, and may require the payment by such party to the Council of
a reasonable sum to be fixed by it to cover the costs of the inspection, and
the costs of the solicitor against whom the complaint is made and the Council
may deal with any sum so paid in such manner as it thinks fit.

(4) The Council may make such order for the payment of the costs of any
inspection required by the Council under this rule as it thinks fit. (L.N. 307
of 1979; 52 of 1980 s. 2)