As much as we hope that every legal matter we encounter will go smoothly, there are times when things don’t go as planned. Perhaps you feel that you’ve been let down by a solicitor, barrister, or other legal professional, and you’re not sure what to do next. In the UK, the Legal Ombudsman is here to help. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the Legal Ombudsman is, how to make a complaint, and what you can expect from the process.
What is the Legal Ombudsman?
The Legal Ombudsman is an independent body set up by the government to help resolve complaints about legal services. It provides a free service to members of the public who are unhappy with the service they have received from a solicitor, barrister, or other legal professional. The Legal Ombudsman has the power to investigate complaints, make recommendations for compensation, and take action against legal professionals who have breached professional standards.
When Can You Make a Complaint to the Legal Ombudsman?
You can make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman if you are unhappy with the service you have received from a solicitor, barrister, or other legal professional. This might include issues such as poor communication, delays, or mistakes made by the legal professional. The Legal Ombudsman can investigate complaints about a wide range of legal services, including conveyancing, will writing, and employment law.
How to Make a Complaint to the Legal Ombudsman
If you decide to make a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman, you should first try to resolve the matter with the legal professional or their firm directly. Most legal professionals have a complaints procedure in place, and you should follow this before contacting the Legal Ombudsman. If you are still unhappy with the response you receive, you can then contact the Legal Ombudsman.
To make a complaint, you will need to provide details of your complaint and the legal professional or firm involved. You will also need to explain what steps you have taken to try to resolve the matter already. Complaints should be made within six years of the issue occurring, or within three years of you becoming aware of the issue.
What Happens After You Make a Complaint?
Once you have made a complaint to the Legal Ombudsman, it will be assessed to determine whether it falls within the body’s remit. If it does, it will then be investigated. This may involve gathering evidence from both parties, reviewing documents, and speaking to witnesses. The Legal Ombudsman aims to resolve complaints within six months, although more complex cases may take longer.
If the Legal Ombudsman finds that the legal professional has provided a poor service, it can make recommendations for compensation. The legal professional or firm will have the opportunity to respond to these recommendations, and if they agree, the compensation will be paid directly to you. If they don’t agree, the Legal Ombudsman can take further action, including referring the matter to a professional body or making a report to the relevant regulator.
What Should You Expect from the Complaint Process?
It’s important to be aware that the complaint process can be lengthy and may involve a lot of paperwork. You should also be prepared to provide evidence to support your complaint, such as correspondence between yourself and the legal professional. It’s important to remain patient and to work with the Legal Ombudsman throughout the process.