From 7 October 2019, the Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) deals with complaints against solicitors.
New authority
From 7 October 2019, complaints about a solicitor or enquiries about making a complaint should be referred to the Authority (LSRA). The contact details for the LSRA are:
Address: LSRA, PO Box 12906, Dublin 7
Phone: 01 8592911
General queries email: Lsra-inbox@lsra.ie
Complaints email: complaints@lsra.ie
Website: www.lsra.ie/make-a-complaint/
Complaints received by the Law Society prior to 7 October 2019 will continue to be dealt with by the Law Society. The information about the complaints process on the Law Society’s website relates only to complaints received prior to 7 October 2019.
Complaints the Law Society could investigate (prior to 7 October 2019)
The Law Society could investigate complaints against solicitors made by or on behalf of clients (including beneficiaries) alleging:
A. Inadequate Professional Services
This is defined in Section 8 of the 1994 Solicitors (Amendment) Act as services which are inadequate in any material respect and are not of a quality that could reasonably be expected of a solicitor or a firm of solicitors. Complaints under this heading must be made within five years.
B. Excessive Fees
The Law Society can deal with a complaint by or on behalf of a client that a bill is excessive.
The Law Society is not permitted to consider any complaint about a bill that is more than five years old.
A client also has the option, within a year of delivery of the bill, of requesting his solicitor to refer the bill to the Taxing Master.
C. Misconduct
The statutory definition of Misconduct in the Solicitors Acts includes but is not restricted to:
- Conduct tending to bring the solicitors’ profession into disrepute.
- The contravention of a provision of the Solicitors Acts 1954-2011, or any order or regulation made thereunder.
More information
Privacy Statement for Complainants
Contact Us (only for complaints received prior to 7 October 2019)
Complaints and Client Relations Section, Law Society of Ireland, George's Court, George's Lane, Dublin 7.
Tel: 01 879 8700, fax: 01 879 8785 or email complaints@lawsociety.ie.
Letters and emails will be answered as soon as possible, but the Complaints and Client Relations Section cannot give you legal advice, second opinions or arrange legal representation.