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England and Wales It is the role of the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to regulate solicitors and solicitors firms in the interest of the public. Those regulated include:
However, it is inevitable that on rare occasions it may be necessary to make a complaint. If you are the client of a solicitor and unhappy about the service provided to you, you should initially contact your solicitor or the person in the firm who deals with complaints. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, contact the Legal Ombudsman who will advise you on what to do next. The Legal Ombudsman deals with issues like lack of communication, delays and problems with your bill. The Ombudsman can ask the solicitor or firm to apologise to you, return any documents you may need, refund or reduce your legal fees, or pay compensation of up to £30,000. If your concern relates to the conduct of a solicitor, or any other individual or firm regulated by the SRA, the Legal Ombudsman may refer your complaint to back to the SRA, or may suggest you contact them direct. The SRA investigates solicitors, firms and others they regulate where they do not meet the required standards of professional behaviour. They can discipline firms or individuals, fine them, restrict or limit the way they work, and in rare cases even close down a firm or refer them to the independent Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, which has the power to remove them from the roll of solicitors so they cannot practise. Even if it is decided that your concern does not, on its own, justify an investigation, the information will be retained on file, and may used later if further concerns about the solicitor, individual, or firm are received.
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