Legal Ombudsman

Resolves complaints about the service provided by lawyers regulated in England and Wales.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

Overview

The Legal Ombudsman handles complaints about the service provided by lawyers (solicitors, barristers, licensed conveyancers, costs lawyers, notaries, patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, and Costs Lawyers Standards Board firms). Complaints about a lawyer's professional conduct (rather than service) go to the SRA, BSB, or CILEx Regulation as appropriate. Maximum award £75,000 (£150,000 for complaints made on or after 28 April 2025).

What it handles

Poor service: delays, failure to keep informed, costs disputes
Failure to follow instructions
Refusal to release the file or transfer to a new solicitor
Disagreements about bills (along with a possible assessment under the Solicitors Act 1974)

Fees

Consumers and small businesses: Free

Deadlines

Lawyer's final response → 6 months to refer to the Ombudsman
Act/omission complained of → 1 year (or 1 year from awareness)

Official sources

https://www.legalombudsman.org.uk

Last reviewed: 2026-05-21. This is legal information, not legal advice.