News
Court raises concerns about tools to deal with practitioners not complying with SLCC requests
The SLCC has renewed its call for a better solution to deal with solicitors unwilling or unable to comply with their regulatory duties.
SLCC reports highest ever number of complaints
The SLCC has reported its highest ever number of incoming complaints – 1,385 in 2023-24 – significantly exceeding projections for the year.
SLCC calls for a better system despite appeal success
Since the start of March 2024 the Court of Session has refused ten requests for leave to appeal SLCC decisions. By comparison, there were only two leave to appeal hearings where the Court granted leave to appeal in the same period.
Recruitment of lay member of the SLCC Board
The Scottish Government is currently recruiting for a new lay Board member to join the Board of the SLCC.
SLCC seeks a "better, less costly and more productive solution" to solicitors failing to respond
The Inner House of the Court of Session has this week stopped short of finding a practitioner in contempt of court. This follows three hearings and a proof relating to the solicitor’s failure to comply with the SLCC’s request for a client file to investigate a complaint.
SLCC makes recommendations for improvement to Faculty complaints process
The SLCC has today published a report on its review of the Faculty of Advocates’ conduct complaint handling process. The report concludes that the Faculty’s current complaints process is overly complex and extremely challenging to navigate, especially for lay complainers. This can result in confusion and frustration and could impact public confidence in the complaints process.
It pays to be clear – SLCC report highlights the importance of clear and transparent pricing
Today the SLCC has published a report on the benefits of price transparency and clear costs to reduce the risk of misunderstandings which often lead to complaints.
Court contempt opinion highlights professional obligation to co-operate
Today the court has published its opinion in relation to a contempt of court hearing regarding a practitioner who did not comply with a statutory request for information to allow a complaint to be investigated.
SLCC publishes a budget for a time of uncertainty
The SLCC has today laid its budget for 2024-25 in Parliament after the SLCC Board approved its draft budget unchanged following a statutory consultation. Commenting on the budget, SLCC Chair,...
SLCC welcomes improved Law Society complaint handling timescales
The SLCC has welcomed improvements to Law Society of Scotland investigation timescales since it made statutory recommendations last year, saying they will benefit the public who make complaints and solicitors complained about, and ensure the risks associated with delay are minimised.
Contempt of court cases continued
Proceedings against two solicitors who had failed to comply with statutory requests for information have been continued by the Inner House
SLCC welcomes 'lively debate' on the Regulation of Legal Services Bill
The SLCC has commented on the Stage 1 debate on the Regulation of Legal Services Bill, which took place in the Scottish Parliament on 22 February 2024