Singapore legislation
Section 118
Section 118
Solicitor not to commence action for fees until one month after delivery of bills
(1)
Subject to the provisions of this Act, a solicitor must not, except by leave of the court, commence or maintain any action for the recovery of any costs due for any business done by him or her until the expiry of one month after he or she has delivered to the party to be charged therewith, or sent by post to, or left with the party at the party’s office or place of business, dwelling house or last known place of residence, a bill of those costs.
(2)
The bill mentioned in subsection (1) must —
be signed —
by the solicitor;
in the case of a partnership, by one of the partners, either in his or her own name or in the name or style of the partnership, or by a solicitor employed by that solicitor or partnership;
in the case of a law corporation, by a director of, or by a solicitor employed by, that law corporation; or
in the case of a limited liability law partnership, by one of the partners of, or by a solicitor employed by, that limited liability law partnership; or
be enclosed in or accompanied by a letter, signed in the like manner, referring to the bill.
(3)
Where a bill is proved to have been delivered in compliance with subsection (1), it is not necessary in the first instance for the solicitor to prove the contents of the bill and it is presumed until the contrary is shown to be a bill bona fide complying with this Act.