The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission FAQs
When will the complaints handling system change?
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) is not yet in existence. It is expected that the SLCC will be operating from October 2008. In the meantime, the Law Society of Scotland will continue to operate under the current complaints framework.
What is the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission?
The SLCC will be a "gateway" for complaints about legal practitioners in Scotland where the problem cannot be sorted out with the service providers concerned. In future, complaints about solicitors will be directed to the SLCC instead of the Law Society of Scotland.
What will the new Commission be able to do?
The SLCC will investigate complaints about the service provided by legal practitioners. Complaints about the conduct of solicitors will be handed to the Law Society of Scotland. The Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal (comprised in future of an equal number of solicitor and non-lawyer members) will continue to hear complaints relating to professional misconduct.
What will be different about the new Commission?
The SLCC will operate independently of the legal profession. Until Commissioners are appointed and rules established it is not clear how the Commission will operate, but this section will be updated as news emerges.
What should I do if I have a complaint about a solicitor now?
You should make a complaint to the firm or individual directly and to the Law Society of Scotland if the service provider cannot resolve your concerns. The Society applies a time limit so you should not delay raising concerns with us. It is not safe to assume that the SLCC will be able to deal with complaints that could now be brought to the Society.
What should I do if I have a complaint about the way the Law Society of Scotland handles my concerns?
You should complain to the Ombudsman as normal. Complaints to the Ombudsman must be made within 6 months of the date of the Society's decision letter. It is not safe to assume that the SLCC will be able to deal with a complaint that could now be heard by the Ombudsman.
