Conduct complaints system to change

Society approves outline procedures to operate in tandem with Complaints Commission

News, 4 April 2008

Outline proposals for a new system to handle conduct complaints against solicitors were today approved by the Law Society of Scotland’s ruling Council.

The introduction of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission in October will result in the Society adopting a new system for handling conduct complaints. Council has now approved the principles and outline process for the system.

Members agreed it should be streamlined, robust, transparent, fair and efficient, while respecting confidentiality and building confidence.

Director of Regulation, Philip Yelland, told the meeting that the new Commission, which will handle service complaints, was finalising its budget and rules before opening its doors in October. In response to concerns expressed over a lack of certainty about the annual levy, Mr Yelland explained that the Society would continue to communicate any developments with the profession and clients.

Council also heard that the next stage of the review of professional standards, which coincides with the establishment of the Commission, will result in the publication of a consultation paper later this month.

Other issues debated included the latest position on summary criminal legal aid, the Society’s proposed move from Drumsheugh Gardens to a new, modern home in Edinburgh and matters affecting solicitor advocates in the sheriff court.

The meeting was attended as observers by Douglas Sinclair and Martyn Evans, from the Scottish Consumer Council.

For more information on any of the above, solicitors should contact their Council member or the Society.