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The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission FAQs

When did the complaints handling system change?
The Scottish Legal Complaints Commission (SLCC) began operating on 1 October 2008.

What does the new Commission do?
All complaints come through the SLCC in the first instance. The Commission deals with complaints about the service provided by solicitors. Complaints about conduct are passed to the Law Society for investigation.
The Commission also has the power to deal with complaints about the way the Law Society handle investigations. These 'handling' complaints were previously dealt with by the Scottish Legal Services Ombudsman (SLSO).
 
What happens to the SLSO?
The office of the SLSO ceased to exist on 1 October 2008. However, as part of the transition process, the role of the Ombudsman (who is chair of the SLCC) will continue to sign off reports for handling complaints arising from investigations being carried out, or to be carried out, by the Law Society.

Are all service complaints handled by the Commission?
No. The Commission will investigate complaints about service if the work you wish to complain about, began after 1 October 2008. If the work you wish to complain about started before 1 October 2008, then the Commission keeps a record of it but passes the complaint to the Law Society to investigate. If you are unhappy with the way the Law Society handles your complaint, the Commission may consider complaints about their handling.