Who we are and what we do
Most solicitors give clients a professional and efficient service. Sometimes, however, clients become dissatisfied with how solicitors have dealt with their case and want to complain. Complaints about the level of professional service received can be considered by the Solicitors Complaints Committee provided the complaints process has been followed.
When you are complaining about a current case with your solicitor, attempts should be made at every stage to resolve misunderstandings, maintain the relationship, and restore lines of communication between you and your solicitor.
If you are unable to resolve your complaint with your solicitor, you can lodge a complaint to the Solicitors Complaints Committee. We will analyse your complaint, and any responses provided by the solicitor and will determine whether the complaint is something that we can consider. If we cannot consider your complaint, you will be informed of the reasons why and may be signposted to alternative services that would have the remit to assist you.
If we determine that we can consider your complaint, the solicitor will be asked to respond in full to your complaint. On receiving the solicitor’s reply, a copy will be issued to you for your reference. Occasionally, further information or comment may then be required from the solicitor, or from you. If this is the case, you will receive correspondence setting out what further comment or information is required.
Once all necessary information has been collated, the case may be concluded by a hearing. A hearing will usually take place without you or the solicitor needing to attend as written information will already have been gathered from both of you. If you wish to, or are required to attend the hearing, you will be informed of the process for this in advance.
Once we have determined your complaint at hearing, you and the solicitor will receive a written explanation of the Committee’s determination. A copy of the determination will also be issued to the Law Society and the Legal Services Oversight Commissioner as required by The Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 to monitor and promote the standard of legal services provision.