Making a complaint

01/10/2019 14:14:51

In the September Gazette, the Law Society's Director of Regulation, John Elliot, describes the new complaints and disciplinary system system as it applies to solicitors. See also frequently asked questions regarding the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA).

Part 6 of the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015 creates a new complaints and disciplinary system for solicitors and barristers. The system where the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) will start to deal with complaints is expected to come into operation on 7 October 2019.

Overview

This article provides an introductory overview of the new system - find out more about:

  • The new authority and structure including committees
  • An expanded definition of misconduct
  • A new complaints system and what the differences are 
  • The change to the time limit for complaints about inadequate legal services or excessive costs
  • Interaction between LSRA and the Law Society regarding complaints
  • Informal complaints procedures and informal resolution
  • Seeking a review and right of appeal
  • Disciplinary Tribunal - how it operates and a wider range of sanctions
  • Transition - complaints about inadequate services and excessive fees received by the Law Society before the commencement of the new system will continue to be dealt with under the existing system until concluded.

More information 

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact details for LSRA

The contact details for the Authority are:

Address: LSRA, PO Box 12906, Dublin 2

Email: complaints@lsra.ie

Phone: 01 859 2911

Website: www.lsra.ie