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How to make a complaint about a solicitor

Guide

If you are unhappy with your solicitor's service, it's best to follow set steps.

  1. First, write directly to the person who handles complaints at your solicitor's firm. Outline the problem. Ask them to confirm who will handle it and how quickly. If your complaint is about your solicitor's bill, act quickly. Time limits apply if you need to escalate the complaint.
  2. If you cannot reach an agreement through your solicitor's internal complaints procedure, you can take your complaint to the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Find details on how to make a complaint to the Law Society of Northern Ireland. he progress of the complaint depends on whether it involves past or future court action. Even if a complaint has not been resolved, you may need to pay at least part of your solicitor's bill. Check with the Law Society of Northern Ireland.
  3. If the Law Society of Northern Ireland cannot fix the complaint to your satisfaction, you may be able to complain to the Lay Observer for Northern Ireland. You can contact the Lay Observer for Northern Ireland in writing.

The Lay Observer for Northern Ireland is unlikely to examine your original complaint - it usually only looks at how it has been handled by the Law Society of Northern Ireland.