Make a complaint about a lawyer or barrister

Introduction

You may have issues with the service or conduct of a lawyer (solicitor or barrister) in NSW. If so, the first step is to speak with them and try to resolve the matter.

If you cannot resolve the matter, the Office of the NSW Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC) can help you.

OLSC can assist with issues such as:

• poor professional conduct:
  • bullying or abusive behaviour
  • failure to follow an undertaking
  • poor advice and representation
  • serious delay
  • non-disclosure of costs
  • breach of the Uniform Law Australian Solicitors’ Conduct Rules 2015
• professional misconduct:
  • excessive overcharging
  • conflicts of interest
  • acting opposite to instructions
  • misleading or dishonest conduct in or outside court
  • misuse of trust money
• consumer matters:
  • delays
  • costs
  • poor communication
  • release of a client's documents or property (liens).

The OLSC cannot help with complaints if the issue is about a:

• lawyer in another Australian State or Territory
• person or organisation who is not a lawyer or law practice
• current New South Wales judicial officer
• licensed conveyancer who is not a lawyer.

Making a complaint

Anyone can make a complaint, but it must be in writing. 

Contact OLSC on 1800 242 958 (free call in Australia) or (02) 9377 1800 for help with: 

• resolving the issue
• the complaint process and options
• making a complaint.

More information

• Once you make a complaint, it may take up to 8 weeks for a case officer to assess the issue. 
• The resolution process can take time, sometimes up to a year.