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20 February 2010
Categories: Legal News , Legal services , Profession
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Be prepared for changes on client complaints

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Solicitors will have to take extra steps to inform clients of their right to complain, as of 1 March.

Solicitors will have to inform clients in writing from the outset about their right to complain about their bill, following a change to Rule 2 of the Solicitors Code of Conduct.

They will need to inform clients they have a right to make a complaint to the Legal Complaints Service and to apply to the court for an assessment of their bill under Part III of the Solicitors’ Act 1974, and that they may be charged interest if their bill remains unpaid.

New guidance to Rule 2 will be added as note 49B. The Law Society is updating its practice notes on client care letters and complaints management.

A Solicitors Regulation Authority spokesperson said: “Solicitors will need to up-date their client care letters to give the information required by the new rule. 

“They also need to take out any reference to remuneration certificates on their bills, or letters that go out with their

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