When you help us
We know there are many deserving charities competing for your money, but helping the SBA (Solicitors Benevolent Association) need not cost your firm a penny. All your firm needs to do is donate any unclaimed balances in its client account to the SBA and we will put it to good use.
You help yourself Unclaimed balances in your client account have to be accounted for each year, involving time-consuming administration and cluttering up your year end accounts. By donating them to the SBA you will be doing yourself a favour by taking them off your balance sheet.
And you help your profession The SBA is the principal nationwide charity for solicitors in England and Wales. Our aim is to help solicitors and their dependants when things go wrong because of ill health, serious accident or any other misfortune. For more information about those we help click on "Beneficiaries".
How to donate an unclaimed balance
This requires a waiver from The Solicitors Regulatory Authority.
To begin the process, your firm should apply to:
Professional Ethics
The Solicitors Regulatory Authority
Ipsley Court
Berrington Close
Redditch B98 0TD
(DX 19114 Redditch)
for permission to transfer the money in question to the SBA, under Rule 22(1)(h) or 22(2)(h) of the Solicitors Account Rules 1998.
Under the Law Societys current policy, you will need to show that you have made full enquiries to trace the proper destination of the money, or that the reasonable costs of doing so are likely to be excessive in relation to the money held. Generally you will need to provide evidence that six years or more have elapsed since the money was due to the client. Following this procedure does not mean the authority to transfer unclaimed sums will be granted automatically. Each case is considered on its merits. Your accountant may be required to verify your application. read more
