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Attorneys Act, 1979 (Act No. 53 of 1979)

Rules for the Attorneys' Profession

Part V : Accounting Rules

Main office

 

35.1 If a firm at any time administers and controls its practice as a whole from premises in two or more buildings which, in the opinion of the Council, do not constitute such a single composite entity as is contemplated in the definition of 'main office' in rule 1, the Council may require the firm to declare to it in writing, within a time stipulated by the Council, which one or more of those buildings as may constitute such an entity in the opinion of the Council, contains or contain its main office, and thereafter that firm shall administer and control its practice as a whole from the premises so declared. It is specifically provided, however, that if a firm which has its main office within the area of jurisdiction of the Council of another society establishes more than one branch office within the area of jurisdiction of the Council, that firm must declare to the Council which of such branch offices is to be regarded as its main office within the area of jurisdiction of that Council; and the provisions of this rule 35, changed appropriately, will apply in respect of that office.

 

35.2 The Council may make such enquiry as it deems fit, including inspection of the premises concerned, and the practising member concerned shall furnish the Council with such information and render such assistance as it may require to enable it to form an opinion in terms of rule 35.1.

 

35.3 A declaration made by a practising member under rule 35.1 shall remain effective until such time as he or she:
35.3.1 moves his or her main office from the premises which are the subject of the declaration; or
35.3.2 makes a declaration in terms of rule 35.1 in respect of other premises.

 

35.4 Should a firm fail to make a declaration under rule 35.1 within the time stipulated by the Council, the Council may by notice in writing to the firm determine which of the premises concerned constitutes its main office, whereupon the remaining provisions of rules 35.1, 35.2 and 35.3 shall apply as though those premises had been so declared by the firm.