Compensation fund

If you have lost money because of your solicitor’s actions, the Law Society Compensation Fund may be able to help you. All practising solicitors in Ireland must contribute to the Fund every year. The fund processes claims for:

  • Compensation where a client believes his or her solicitor was dishonest, and

  • Refunds from a solicitor’s firm where the courts or the Law Society now controls client money.

Compensation fund guide

Find more information using the links below:

A downloadable Guide to Claiming Refunds of Money Paid to a Solicitor is also available.

This guide is not a full explanation of the law. You should get legal advice if you would like more detailed information about the Solicitors Acts or a second opinion on a Law Society decision about your claim.

Claim form

If you wish to claim on the Compensation Fund, or claim a refund of money now in the control of the courts or the Law Society, you must download and complete the Compensation Fund Claim Form.

Updated Compensation Fund regulations

New Regulations came into effect on 1 February 2019.

Claim procedure guidelines

For information on claims, see the 'Guidelines on Compensation Fund Claims Procedures'.

Relevant legislation

The Compensation Fund is governed by:

  • Section 21 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1960, as substituted by Section 29 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 1994 and amended by Section 16 of the Solicitors (Amendment) Act 2002; and
  • Solicitors (Compensation Fund) Regulations 2018 (SI 548/2018). 

View the Solicitors Acts and Regulations for more information:

Data Protection

Independent Adjudicator's Statement

Contact Details

Address: Claims Administrator, Law Society of Ireland, George’s Court, George’s Lane, North King Street, Dublin 7
DX: DX 1025 Four Courts 
Phone: +353 1 879 8700
Fax: +353 1 879 8769 
Email: cfclaims@lawsociety.ie