Legal Ombudsman chairman calls for major expansion in jurisdiction – Legal Futures

“All consumers of legal services – using a broad definition that includes ‘linked professional services and advice that has a legal dimension’ – should have access to the Legal Ombudsman (LeO), its chairman said today.”

Full story

Legal Futures, 13th June 2013

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

More than 1,600 law firms and barristers now on Legal Ombudsman’s complaints list – Legal Futures

Posted April 18th, 2013 in barristers, complaints, law firms, legal ombudsman, news by sally

“The names of 1,617 law firms and barristers who have been the subject of a formal decision by the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) are now in the public domain.”

Full story

Legal Futures, 18th April 2013

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

The Legal Ombudsman Scheme: how it works and how firms can challenge it – 4 New Square

Posted March 26th, 2013 in appeals, complaints, law firms, legal ombudsman, news by sally

“The Legal Ombudsman (‘LeO’) publishes brief summaries of its decisions on its website. Where awards have been made against lawyers to date the amounts have usually been very modest: hundreds rather than thousands of pounds. There has not been much for lawyers or their insurers to worry about. But things could be about to change.”

Full story (PDF)

4 New Square, 21st March 2013

Source: www.4newsquare.com

Divorce costs warning issued to lawyers – The Guardian

Posted February 28th, 2013 in costs, divorce, families, legal ombudsman, legal services, news by sally

“Some solicitors are failing to advise divorcees to settle courtroom battles before costs rise out of control because of the ’emotional rawness’ of those involved, according to the legal ombudsman.”

Full story

The Guardian, 28th February 2013

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Ombudsman warns of mis-selling risk around family law services – Legal Futures

Posted February 28th, 2013 in complaints, costs, divorce, families, legal ombudsman, legal services, news by sally

“Innovation in family law services is working for consumers but could in time lead to mis-selling and hidden costs as complex financing and legal services structures emerge, the Legal Ombudsman (LeO) has warned.”

Full story

Legal Futures, 28th February 2013

Source: www.legalfutures.co.uk

LSB responds to OFT report which outlines the changes to the regulation of legal services brought about by the Legal Services Act 2007 – Legal Services Board

Posted January 18th, 2013 in legal ombudsman, legal services, Legal Services Board, press releases by tracey

“LSB responds to OFT report which outlines the changes to the regulation of legal services brought about by the Legal Services Act 2007.”

Full press release

Legal Services Board, 18th January 2013

Source: www.legalservicesboard.org.uk

Regulation fees paid by claims management companies – Ministry of Justice

Posted November 9th, 2012 in claims management, complaints, consultations, fees, legal ombudsman by tracey

“This consultation invites views on the fees for applications for authorisation and annual fees for the regulation year 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014 and initial views on a fees framework for complaints handling by the Legal Ombudsman.

This consultation is primarily aimed at persons authorised to provide regulated claims management services in England & Wales under the Compensation Act 2006 and those businesses and individuals contemplating making an application for authorisation.”

Full consultation

Ministry of Justice, 9th November 2012

Source: www.justice.gov.uk

Do lawyers scare you? – The Guardian

Posted October 18th, 2012 in complaints, legal ombudsman, news by sally

“Research shows that clients are reluctant to complain to lawyers when things go wrong and that the Legal Ombudsman needs to be clearer in its message.”

Full story

The Guardian, 17th October 2012

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Don’t be afraid to complain about your lawyer says Legal Ombudsman – The Guardian

Posted October 16th, 2012 in complaints, law firms, legal ombudsman, legal profession, news by tracey

“Clients of law firms are scared to complain when things go wrong and are confused about the complaints system.”

Full story

The Guardian, 15th October 2012

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Complaints data naming law firms goes live today – Law Society’s Gazette

Posted September 17th, 2012 in complaints, law firms, legal ombudsman, news by sally

“The Legal Ombudsman has today published an online list of complaints relating to 770 law firms across England and Wales.”

Full story

Law Society’s Gazette, 17th September 2012

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Watchdog calls for Ombudsman to be opened up to third parties – Law Society’s Gazette

Posted June 7th, 2012 in complaints, legal ombudsman, news, third parties by sally

“Third parties should be able to complain about lawyers to the Legal Ombudsman, the Legal Services Consumer Panel has suggested.”

Full story

Law Society’s Gazette, 7th June 2012

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Watchdog plans hefty rise in compensation maximum – Law Society’s Gazette

Posted March 26th, 2012 in compensation, complaints, fees, legal ombudsman, news, time limits by sally

“The Legal Ombudsman is planning a 66% rise – to £50,000 – in the maximum amount of compensation it can force lawyers to pay clients who receive poor service.”

Full story

Law Society’s Gazette, 26th March 2012

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

Lawyers beware: your clients are rebelling – The Guardian

Posted March 6th, 2012 in fees, legal ombudsman, legal representation, legal services, news by sally

“For too long, lawyers have got away with arcane pricing and billing practices. Those who don’t change their ways will pay for it.”

Full story

The Guardian, 6th March 2012

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Solicitors face two years in prison for ignoring Legal Ombudsman – The Lawyer

Posted November 16th, 2011 in fines, imprisonment, legal ombudsman, news, solicitors by sally

“The High Court will impose fines and prison sentences on lawyers who fail to comply with the orders of the Legal Ombudsman (LeO), it has been warned.”

Full story

The Lawyer, 15th November 2011

Source: www.thelawyer.com

Ombudsman will name lawyers and firms ‘in public interest’ – Law Society’s Gazette

Posted November 7th, 2011 in complaints, disclosure, legal ombudsman, legal services, news, public interest by sally

“The Legal Ombudsman has taken the highly controversial decision to name lawyers and law firms in circumstances where there is a ‘pattern of complaints’ against them or when it is in the ‘public interest’ to do so.”

Full story

Law Society’s Gazette, 7th November 2011

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

So far so good: the Legal Ombudsman celebrates a smooth first year – The Guardian

Posted October 10th, 2011 in complaints, legal ombudsman, legal services, news by sally

“Independent body fielding complaints against lawyers has come in under budget, and with a positive reaction from the profession.”

Full story

The Guardian, 7th October 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

News focus: sole practitioners face ‘perfect storm’ – Law Society’s Gazette

“To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the death of the sole practitioner appear greatly exaggerated.”

Full story

Law Society’s Gazette, 12th May 2011

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk

New rules for solicitors focus on ends, not means – The Guardian

Posted April 7th, 2011 in legal ombudsman, news, solicitors, Solicitors Regulation Authority by sally

“Changes in regulation to emphasise outcomes that solicitors need to deliver for clients, rather than how they achieve them.”

Full story

The Guardian, 7th April 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Consumers warned over deregulation of legal services – The Guardian

Posted April 6th, 2011 in complaints, consumer protection, legal ombudsman, legal services, news by sally

“The legal ombudsman has warned that consumers will need to take even greater care checking the regulatory status of firms offering legal services when the legal world experiences its equivalent of the big bang this autumn.”

Full story

The Guardian, 6th April 2011

Source: www.guardian.co.uk

Legal bodies fear government interference – Law Society’s Gazette

Posted March 10th, 2011 in internet, legal ombudsman, Legal Services Board, news by sally

“The independence of the legal profession is being threatened by government ‘diktats’ ordering that the websites of three legal quangos be closed, the chair of the Legal Services Consumer Panel (LSCP) told a House of Lords debate this week.”

Full story

Law Society’s Gazette, 10th March 2011

Source: www.lawgazette.co.uk