A brief guide to the complaints process

 

  • You must already have a decision from the lawyer’s professional body.
  • You should write to the Ombudsman within 3 months of receiving that decision.
  • The Ombudsman will review the way that the professional body investigated your complaint about the lawyer
  • If the Ombudsman is not satisfied with the way that the professional body dealt with your complaint, she can recommend that they re-investigate, or she can formally criticise them.
  • If the Ombudsman considers that you have been distressed or inconvenienced by the professional body’s handling of your complaint, she can recommend that they pay you compensation.