News
Review of the Law Society of Scotland’s timescales in relation to conduct complaints handling
In November 2012 the SLCC concluded a review of the Law Society of Scotland’s timescales in relation to conduct complaints. The review concluded that the SLCC Board could take 'reasonable assurance' in the Law Society's overall complaints handling system but recognised that the processes, procedures and controls under review could benefit from a number of improvements.
Budget & Levy 2013 -2014
The SLCC proposed budget for 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014.
Research into Complaint Numbers and Practitioners' Handling of Complaints
In June 2012, TNS BMRB produced two reports following research commissioned by the SLCC. Specifically, the research looked at complaint numbers and the methods adopted by practitioners (both solicitors and advocates) in how they handle complaints made against them.
Annual Report 2012
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (“SLCC”) laid its fourth Annual Report before the Scottish Parliament on 7 December 2012.
Need for practitioners to advise complainers about the SLCC and it’s time limits
Practitioners should ensure that clients, or others, who may wish to express dissatisfaction with a practitioner or firm, are advised of the SLCC as the gateway for complaints at an appropriate time.
SLCC Review of Guarantee Fund
In 2011 the SLCC published the results of research into Guarantee Fund claims. This research, which had been undertaken by the University of Manchester, suggested that there may be factors other than the merits of individual claims which affected the amounts which had been paid out. The research did not suggest what these other “factors” might be.
Good Practice Guidance
Good practice Guidance: The SLCC is committed to publishing best practice guidance in handling/preventing complaints.
SLCC Appoints new CEO
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) has announced the appointment of Matthew Vickers as its new Chief Executive Officer.
SLCC Research
As part of its oversight role the SLCC monitors complaints and identifies trends in practice, in relation to how practitioners deal with complaints and the subject of those complaints. This includes undertaking research. The latest research the SLCC is carrying out is into complaints made to, and dealt with, by the legal profession in Scotland.
SLCC Budget for 2012-2013
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) is funded by a levy paid by legal practitioners operating in Scotland. The SLCC laid its Budget for 2012-2013 before the Scottish Parliament on 30 April 2012.
Review of Law Society Complaints Process
In November 2011 the SLCC concluded a review of the Law Society of Scotland’s Conduct Complaint Process under its powers set out in section 36(5) of the Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007. The review concluded that the SLCC Board could take ‘reasonable assurance’ in the Law Society’s overall complaints handling system but recognised that the processes, procedures and controls under review could benefit from a number of improvements.
SLCC Chief Executive Resigns
Chief Executive of the Scottish Legal Complaints Commission resigns to take up appointment as the next Scottish Information Commissioner