Paying solicitor

When the money from the sale of a premises is lodged into solicitor's client account, is the solicitor permitted by law to keep money from that to cover the client's bill - ie. do they have to pass on the full amount to the client and then send client a bill or can they take "their" money and give client the balance?

Thanks in advance.

Depends on what has been agreed, whether verbally or per the terms of the s. 68 (fees) letter.

If it's agreed that I can take my fees, I will. If I haven't agreed it, then I invoice the client separately.

Neither has ever been a problem, but obviously the former is more time efficient for all.

Thanks for that