Law Society defends itself

The Law Society handles complaints against solicitors

The Law Society of Scotland has rejected criticism of the way it investigates complaints against solicitors.

It follows accusations from the Scottish Consumer Council (SCC) that there is a lack of public confidence in the current system, and that an independent body should be set up to deal with grievances.

The Law Society is the professional body which represents the interest of solicitors, but also investigates complaints made against its members.

However, the consumer council said a society run by solicitors for solicitors does not engender public confidence.

The Law Society accused the council of distorting the figures

According to the SCC, the present system of investigating complaints falls far short of what should be provided.

The SCC said its call is backed by research which suggests there is a lack of public confidence in the system as it stands.

The Law Society said there are already safeguards in place to make consumers get a fair hearing.

But the council said half of the people it surveyed did not think their complaint against a solicitor was investigated fairly.

It wants to see solicitors found guilty of providing inadequate professional services pay more compensation.

The current maximum award solicitors can be made to pay at the moment is £1,000.

The Law Society has accused the council of distorting the figures and said only 400 people out of a possible 1,000 responded to the study.

It said this is proof that most people are satisfied by the service they get.

However, it said it would welcome any review of the system.

The Law Society examines complaints much in the same way as the procurator fiscal examines crimes

Joe Platt, Law Society of Scotland

Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland's Good Morning Scotland programme, the Law Society of Scotland's Joe Platt said safeguards were in place to ensure fair hearings.

"Misconduct by solicitors is generally prosecuted before the Scottish Solicitors Discipline Tribunal," Mr Platt said.

"That is an independent body and the Law Society examines complaints much in the same way as the procurator fiscal examines crimes.

"The big news is that parliament has asked the justice committee to look into the entire regulation of the legal system.

"That committee is likely to report by next spring and that is certainly an investigation the Law Society will welcome."