At a glance

• When determining admissibility, complaints are reviewed to establish if they are valid, or if they are frivolous or vexatious.

• Complaints can be resolved at this stage based on the solicitor’s response to the allegations made and the LSRA encourages this.

• Admissible means that having sought the views of the legal practitioner and conducted the preliminary review of all the information available, the LSRA is satisfied that there are matters which require resolution and/or investigation.

• It also means that the complaint is not considered frivolous / vexatious and has been made within the required time limits.

• The decision regarding admissibility rests with the LSRA.

The admissibility stage is often a confusing part of the investigation process.

Admissible means, that having sought the views of the solicitor and conducted a preliminary review of all the information available, the LSRA is satisfied that there are matters which require resolution and/or investigation.

The decision regarding admissibility rests with the LSRA. It is for the LSRA and not the parties to a complaint to decide when a complaint is admissible.

Pre-admissibility stage should not be viewed as a statement of whether the complaint has any merit, but is instead an opportunity to present a clear and factual version of events, with as much relevant supporting documentation included.