The Civil Legal Services (Remuneration) Order (Northern Ireland) 2015

Time limits

17.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the time limit within which any act is required or authorised to be done under this Order may, for good reason, be extended—

(a) in the case of acts required or authorised to be done under Article 14 or 15, by the taxing master or the High Court as the case may be; and

(b) in the case of acts required or authorised to be done by a representative under any other Article, by the Department.

(2) Where a representative without good reason has failed (or, if an extension were not granted, would fail) to comply with a time limit, the Department, the taxing master or the High Court, as the case may be, may, in exceptional circumstances, extend the time limit and shall consider whether it is reasonable in the circumstances to reduce the remuneration, provided that the remuneration shall not be reduced unless the representative has been permitted a reasonable opportunity to show cause orally or in writing why the remuneration should not be reduced.

(3) In carrying out the functions described in this Article, the Department, the taxing master or the High Court, as the case may be, shall have regard to any guidance given by the Department about the carrying out of those functions.

(4) A representative may appeal to the taxing master against a decision made under this Article by the Department and such an appeal shall be instituted within 21 days of receiving notification of the decision by giving notice in writing to the taxing master specifying the grounds of appeal.