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COMPLAINTS AGAINST SOLIICITORS

EDM (Early Day Motion) 218A1: tabled on 09 July 1997

Tabled in the 1997-98 session.

This motion has been signed by 3 Members. It is an amendment to an existing motion.

As this motion is using historical data, we may not have the record of the original ordering, in which case signatories are listed alphabetically.

This is an amendment to an existing motion

This motion was originally tabled by Mr Gerry Sutcliffe on 08 July 1997. This is amendment number 1.

View details of the original motion

Suggested amendment

leave out from `House' to end and add `notes that a high level of public dissatisfaction with the system for dealing with complaints against solicitors led to the recent establishment of the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors; expects improvements in speed and effectiveness of investigation, remedy and accountability; and awaits with interest future reports of the OSS.'.

Original motion text

That this House notes the continuing high level of public dissatisfaction with the existing system for dealing with complaints against solicitors currently operated by the Office for the Supervision of Solicitors, which is funded and run by solicitors employing non-transparent rules of investigation entwined in cumbersome and time-consuming procedures perpetuating the perception that the complaints system exists to protect solicitors and deny the complainant justice, as further exemplified by the fact that out of some 20,000 complaints a year only around 250, 1.25 per cent., are upheld and that they are limited to derisory levels of compensation; and believes that the establishment of an independent body led by commercially experienced people with powers to investigate complaints against solicitors and to determine and award compensation for financial loss would remedy the continuing imbalance inherent in the present system, restore confidence in the profession and lead to a reduction in the number of complaints, while disciplinary action and all other regulation would remain with the Law Society.

The first 6 Members who have signed to support the motion are the sponsors. The primary sponsor is generally the person who tabled the motion and has responsibility for it. The date shown is when the Member signed the motion.

There are no withdrawn signatures for this amendment.