RF1 notes – Part K
K. Declaration
Please consider the following when completing this section:
- The answers to questions 1–4 are part of the declaration. Please check that your firm is compliant.
- The declaration must be signed by a solicitor or REL who is a managing partner or principal of the firm and who is qualified to practise in England and Wales. Failure to do so will prevent the practising certificates or registration certificates from being granted.
- A solicitor employed at the organisation must complete and sign the declaration on behalf of all
the applicants named on the form for organisation types detailed below:
- commerce and industry
- advice services
- registered charity
- local government body
- educational establishment
This list is not exhaustive. If you require further guidance, contact us.
- You can read more on referral arrangements below or consult detailed guidance.
- The person who signs the declaration on this form takes responsibility for the accuracy of the information provided in it. The signatory is expected to have checked that the information provided is correct before they sign the form.
- The declaration relates to the whole form.
- If the form is unsigned, your practising certificates/registrations will not be granted.
Referral arrangements
Rule 9 of the Solicitors' Code of Conduct sets out the requirements concerning referral of business.
Please tell us whether your firm has any arrangements with third parties (other than with lawyers) for the introduction of clients, even if there is no "financial arrangement". Please tick the appropriate box.
If you have answered "yes", please give us, using a separate sheet if necessary, in respect of each introducer:
- the name of the organisation or individual with whom your firm has an arrangement for the introduction of work;
- the dates of commencement and termination (if appropriate) of the agreement;
- the area(s) of work involved (e.g. conveyancing, personal injury);
- whether your firm has a "financial arrangement" with the introducer
- the percentage of the firm's total fee income arising from this source in the last six months. If the percentage is greater than zero, please state:
- the total sum your firm has paid to the introducer in the last six months;
- any other consideration which your firm has given (e.g. provision of services or secondment of staff to the introducer, or an agreement to purchase services or products from the introducer where the purchase is a condition of referrals being made to you).