At your service?

The legal framework governing the termination of the solicitor/client relationship in contentious matters (the “entire contract” concept) derives from 19th Century authority. Two recent decisions provide important clarification for a solicitor who wishes to terminate their retainer, particularly as to (i) what constitutes “reasonable grounds” for doing so and (ii) whether, having terminated, the solicitor is entitled to payment of his costs and disbursements up to the date of termination.

Webb v John Macdonald QC

The first case, Webb v John McDonald QC and Another, concerned whether practitioners were obliged to put forward all points asserted by their client, irrespective of merit and whether, in the light of their client’s insistence to put forward such points, it was appropriate to threaten to cease to act. The claimant, Mr Webb, was legally aided in the underlying claim and so special considerations applied to the retainer—but notwithstanding that, points of general principle emerged.

The facts

Mr