The number of complaints made about solicitors and barristers rose by 12 per cent last year, according to the independent regulatory body for the sector.
The Legal Services Regulatory Authority (LSRA) said alleged misconduct was the most common complaint type it received.
According to the LSRA’s 2021 annual report, 3,356 phone calls and emails were received by the body throughout the year requesting information or complaint forms.
A total of 1,599 complaints were received in 2021, an increase of 12 per cent on 2020′s figures. Of these, 1,560 related to solicitors, while 39 related to barristers.
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However, the body notes that multiple complaints may be made about an individual legal practitioner.
A total of 1,343 complaints were closed during 2021, with 398 being resolved and 172 being withdrawn.
Just under half of the complaints – 45 per cent – were closed because they were deemed as inadmissible following a statutory assessment.
The largest category of complaints, at 1,090 or 68 per cent, related to alleged misconduct. A total of 431, or 27 per cent, were from clients relating to alleged inadequate standards of legal services, and a further 78 (5 per cent) were from clients who alleged they had been charged excessive costs.
Although the number of complaints received continues to rise, the breakdown in the types of complaint received shows a consistent trend, the LSRA said.
Complaints relating to alleged misconduct continue to increase, with the number up by 33 per cent on the previous year.
Those relating to alleged inadequate standards of legal services and excessive costs continue to fall, with the number being down by 13 per cent and 27 per cent respectively.
Out of the total of 1,599 complaints received during 2021, 592 were made against legal practitioners based in Dublin city and county, while 205 were in Cork city and county, 83 were in Kildare and 82 were in Limerick.
The number of partnerships of solicitors seeking authorisation from the LSRA to operate as Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs) also increased in 2021.
A total of 106 LLPs were authorised during the year, bringing the total number of LLPs authorised since November 2019 to 364 at the end of last year.
Dr Brian Doherty, chief executive of the LSRA, said staff dealt with “an increased number of both queries and complaints” in 2021.
“Complaints are closed for several reasons; when they have been successfully resolved between the parties with the assistance of the LSRA, determined by the LSRA, or by either of the two committees established under the Act,” Dr Doherty said.
“Complaints are also closed early in the complaints handling process if they are found to be inadmissible.”
