*/
As reported in the August edition of Bar News, on 6 October 2010 a new regime for dealing with complaints about the service provided by barristers to their clients will be introduced. On that date, the independent Legal Ombudsman scheme will commence operation and, under the terms of the Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA 2007), the BSB will no longer have the ability to deal with service complaints. Instead, the handling of such complaints will fall to the Legal Ombudsman.
The Legal Ombudsman has greater powers than the BSB to resolve client service issues which include statutory powers to order payment of compensation/return of fees of up to £30,000, enforcement of orders through the High Court and the imposition on barristers of fees for handling complaints. From 6 October 2010, barristers will be obliged under the Code of Conduct to co-operate with the Legal Ombudsman and failure to do so could result in disciplinary action by the BSB. Further, the Legal Ombudsman will require that client
service complaints are considered first by the barrister’s chambers before referral to the Legal Ombudsman. It is therefore important that all barristers and Chambers ensure they have complaints procedures in place that meet the requirements of Annex S of the Code of Conduct.
If you require any further information about the Legal Ombudsman and the new regime for dealing with service complaints, please contact:
The Legal Ombudsman has greater powers than the BSB to resolve client service issues which include statutory powers to order payment of compensation/return of fees of up to £30,000, enforcement of orders through the High Court and the imposition on barristers of fees for handling complaints. From 6 October 2010, barristers will be obliged under the Code of Conduct to co-operate with the Legal Ombudsman and failure to do so could result in disciplinary action by the BSB. Further, the Legal Ombudsman will require that client
service complaints are considered first by the barrister’s chambers before referral to the Legal Ombudsman. It is therefore important that all barristers and Chambers ensure they have complaints procedures in place that meet the requirements of Annex S of the Code of Conduct.
If you require any further information about the Legal Ombudsman and the new regime for dealing with service complaints, please contact:
As reported in the August edition of Bar News, on 6 October 2010 a new regime for dealing with complaints about the service provided by barristers to their clients will be introduced. On that date, the independent Legal Ombudsman scheme will commence operation and, under the terms of the Legal Services Act 2007 (LSA 2007), the BSB will no longer have the ability to deal with service complaints. Instead, the handling of such complaints will fall to the Legal Ombudsman.
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
Creating advocacy opportunities for juniors is now the expectation but not always easy to put into effect. Tom Mitcheson KC distils developing best practice from the Patents Court initiative already bearing fruit
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
The long-running fee-paid judicial pensions saga continues. The current cut-off date for giving notice of election to join FPJPS is 31 March 2024, and that date now gives rise to a serious problem, warns HH John Platt
