Scottish Solicitors’ Guarantee Fund
The Scottish Solicitors’ Guarantee Fund protects those who have lost money because of the dishonesty of a solicitor or a member of their staff. It is a fund of last resort, which means it can only compensate those who have exhausted all other options of recovery. The award of a grant is discretionary. All firms in Scotland contribute annually to the fund.
The fund also pays for the work of the Society’s Financial Compliance Department, which promotes good practice in handling client money and monitors compliance with the Society's rules by carrying out detailed inspections of solicitors’ records.
Anyone who thinks they have lost money as a result of the dishonesty of a solicitor or their staff can apply to the fund for compensation. An application form must be filled in to allow the claim to be investigated. Those considering the claim will ensure it meets the conditions for a grant and verify the amount of loss.
The standard claim form is attached at the following link: Claim Form (.pdf)
A Policy Document (.pdf) gives further information on the claims process including:
- who can make a claim;
- how to make a claim;
- how much can be claimed;
- time limits for notification of a claim; and
- claims assessment, investigation and approval processes.
It is important to read this document carefully.
More detailed information is contained in the Guidance Document (.pdf).
If you have any queries or need more information, please contact:
Solicitor to the Guarantee Fund
The Law Society of Scotland
26 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
EH3 7YR
If you are unhappy about the way that your claim has been handled, please write to:
Philip J Yelland
Director of Regulation
The Law Society of Scotland
26 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh
EH3 7YR
Updated: September 2009
