A solicitor may enter into a written agreement in respect of contentious business, providing for their remuneration by a gross sum, salary, or other methods, whether at a higher or lower level than they would have otherwise been entitled to. However, a contentious business agreement may not validly purchase any interest in litigation, and stipulated […]
The Law Society has extensive powers to intervene in practices and take over the running of practices where a solicitor is in the firm or has been struck from the roll. The Law Society Council may initiate procedures for solicitors being guilty of undue delay in certain types of matters. The Council may impose sanctions […]
The Incorporated Law Society of Northern Ireland regulates solicitors in Northern Ireland. A person is not qualified to act as a solicitor unless they have been admitted as a solicitor in Northern Ireland, their name is on the roll, and they hold a current practising certificate. In order to be admitted as a solicitor, a […]
Every person between the ages of 18 and 70 who is registered as an elector is qualified and liable for Jury Service. Certain categories mentioned below are disqualified, while others are ineligible for Jury Service. A person on bail with an offence is not qualified for Jury Service. A person who knowingly serves on a […]
If the plaintiff does not set down the case after close of pleadings, the defendant may do so. In setting down the case, the completeness of discovery should be verified. If specific discovery is required, it should be sought prior to setting down. Within three to four months of setting down, the case will appear […]
There may be interlocutory pre-trial applications in the High Court as with other courts. Most applications are on notice. An ex-parte application is made by one party by lodging an ex-parte docket with an affidavit. It may be, and they would be dealt with without hearing. Applications are listed before the master for hearing. They […]
Proceedings in the High Court may be commenced by writ of summons, original summons, originating motion or petition as set out by the Rules of the Supreme Court 1980 as amended. A writ of summons applies to most civil claims which involve a full hearing. Certain statutes provide for proceedings by way of an originating […]
Northern Ireland has a unique system for the enforcement of Judgments. This system is significantly different from the present system in the Republic of Ireland and the modernized England and Wales system. The EJO is an independent office established by law in Northern Ireland. The EJO consists of a master, chief enforcement officer, 50 enforcement […]
A person cannot generally be arrested or imprisoned for non-payment of debt. The County Court can commit a person to prison until payment is made for a period not exceeding six weeks., if he makes default on payments due on foot of a County Court or Magistrate’s Court Judgment, payment of instalments due under an […]
Any person entitled to enforce a Judgment may apply to enforce it in a prescribed form. The notice gives the debtor 10 days to pay the sum due. The notice of intention plus the Judgment is lodged with the EJO. A fee must be paid. It is registered on receipt. The form gives advice to […]