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What To Do If Something Goes Wrong
Even in the best solicitors’ firms, things can sometimes go wrong.
If you have a complaint, first speak to your solicitor and ask for an explanation. Most complaints and misunderstandings can be settled informally like this.
All firms of solicitors should also have their own informal complaints procedure.
So if you want to take your complaint further, ask for the name of the person in the firm to contact. If you are still dissatisfied you can take your complaint to the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors. If you need help in presenting your complaint, your local Citizens Advice Bureau or SIA's Helpline staff will be able to assist you.
The Office for the Supervision of Solicitors has the powers, after a full investigation, to make your solicitor pay you compensation, if it is appropriate or to discipline the solicitor in some other way. It all depends on the nature of your complaint and whether the investigation finds in your favour. They publish a range of leaflets to help consumers, you can contact them at:
- Office for the Supervision of Solicitors
- Victoria Court
- 8 Dormer Place
- Leamington Spa
- Warwickshire
- CV32 5AE
-
- General Enquiries: 01926 820082
- Lo-call Helpline: 0845 608 6565
- Fax: 01926 431435
- Records: 0870 606 6575
If you think you have been overcharged or your solicitor’s bill is well above the estimate, you should first complain direct, through the firm’s complaints procedure. After that, if you are still dissatisfied about a bill, there are two systems for taking your complaint further:
• You can complain directly to the Law Society and ask to have the bill reduced. This is a free service;
or
• In any dispute about a solicitor’s bill, you can ask a court to reduce the amount you have been charged. You will probably have to do this within a fixed time limit. Again, your local Citizens Advice Bureau of SIA’s Advice Line staff can give you details of how the system works.