New ombudsman to deal with legal services complaints

Legal services complaints are to be dealt with in a new way from Wednesday (October 6th), when the Legal Ombudsman opens its doors to Britons who are dissatisfied with the work or customer care of a law professional.

Headed by the former chief executive of homeless charity Shelter Adam Sampson, the organisation expects to receive around 100,000 complaints a year, despite the fact the majority of legal services offered are of a high standard.

If the organisation finds in favour of the client, lawyers or firms at fault will be ordered to provide some form of recompense, which could be a written apology, or up to £30,000 compensation.

The body may support legal services in Britain by ensuring consumers receive the best care and attention possible, as well as drawing attention to the importance of the client in cases such as personal injury and unfair dismissal.

Britons are advised to complain to their lawyer first before resorting to the Legal Ombudsman.