Solicitor's lack of authority ratified by owner's reaction of joy | Practical Law

Solicitor's lack of authority ratified by owner's reaction of joy | Practical Law

OPM Property Services Limited v Venner; Venner (Part 20 Claimant) v (1) OPM Property Services Limited (2) Robert Berry and Co. Ltd (3) Walkers Solicitors (Part 20 Defendants), 5 March 2004, (High Court, Chancery Division).

Solicitor's lack of authority ratified by owner's reaction of joy

Practical Law UK Legal Update 7-107-2323 (Approx. 3 pages)

Solicitor's lack of authority ratified by owner's reaction of joy

by Practical Law
Law stated as at 22 Mar 2004 • England
OPM Property Services Limited v Venner; Venner (Part 20 Claimant) v (1) OPM Property Services Limited (2) Robert Berry and Co. Ltd (3) Walkers Solicitors (Part 20 Defendants), 5 March 2004, (High Court, Chancery Division).
The High Court has decided that a solicitor who exchanged contracts for the sale of a freehold property without actual or ostensible client authority was nevertheless free from censure.
The reactions of the defendant ratified the actions of his solicitor and accordingly the sale of the property should proceed and specific performance of the contract for sale was a suitable remedy for the claimants.