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How to make a complaint about a solicitor

Guide

If you are unhappy with the service your solicitor has provided, it's best to follow set procedures.

  1. First, you should write directly to the person who handles complaints in your solicitor's business. Outline exactly what the problem is and ask them to confirm who will deal with your problem and how quickly they will do so. If your complaint is about your solicitor's bill you should do this quickly as time limits apply if you need to take the complaint to the next level.
  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. The progress of the complaint depends on whether it involves court action that has already taken place or is forthcoming. 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 resolve 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.