I am calling you after I received your letter in the mail.<br>
 
What is your Email address?<br>
Can you send the details  via email or mail to this address? <br>
Can I get photocopy of these documents?<br>
How do I add additional information to my existing complaint?<br>
What should I do if I am thinking about filing a complaint?<br>
Who can make complaints, and how do they arise?<br>
May I complain on behalf of someone else?<br>
How do I make a complaint?<br>
Is there a time limit to file a complaint?<br>
Who will review my complaint?<br>
How are complaints investigated?<br>
If I file a complaint, will I be expected to appear before a committee?<br>
Will making a complaint cost me anything?<br>
How long does the complaint process take?<br>
What are the possible outcomes of complaints?<br>
What happens if a complaint is referred to a hearing committee?<br>
Who do I contact for more information?<br>
Can I make a confidential complaint?<br>
What if I am subjected to retaliation for making a complaint? <br>
How are complaints resolved?<br>
What happens after I file a complaint?<br>
When will I be updated on the status of the investigation of my complaint?<br>
How do I add additional information to my existing complaint?<br>
Will I be informed that my complaint was received successfully?<br>
When should I file a complaint?<br>
What will it cost me to file a complaint?<br>
What can I do to help my case?<br>
If I file a complaint, will the details be made public?<br>
What if they retaliate against me after I file a complaint? <br>
What do mediators and conciliators do?<br>
Do the investigators decide the outcome of complaints? <br>
How do I make a complaint?<br>
What information must be included in a complaint?<br>
Why is it necessary to put my complaint in writing?<br>
What happens after I make a complaint?<br>
Can I submit a complaint anonymously?<br><br>








Who can make a complaint?<br>
Who can be complained about?<br>
Is there anything I should do before lodging a complaint?
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Yes. Before you lodge a written complaint, you should consider less formal ways to resolve your problem. For example, an issue about the way in which your matter is being managed by a legal practitioner may be resolved by talking directly to the person concerned or a more senior person at the same firm.<br>
What sorts of conduct can be complained about?<br><br>

Can I get help with making a complaint?<br>
Do I have to pay anything to make a complaint?<br>

No. There is no charge to lodge a complaint. The Commission’s services are free.<br><br>

Can my solicitor bill me for the time it takes to respond to my complaint?<br><br>

What happens after I make my complaint?<br><br>
Will the information I provide with my complaint be kept confidential?<br><br>
Can I withdraw my complaint?<br><br>

Yes. You can withdraw your complaint in person, by phone or in writing. However, you should be aware that withdrawing your complaint does not prevent the Commission from taking action on matters raised in your complaint on its own accord.<br><br>
Can I be sued for making a complaint?<br><br>

No. You are fully within your rights to make a complaint to the Commission. You have an absolute defence to any defamation action that might be threatened or taken against you provided that you made your complaint genuinely and in good faith.<br><br>

You should bear in mind, however, that making a complaint may alter your relationship with your solicitor. To help matters, make sure your complaint is accurate and keep it about the practitioner’s conduct, not the practitioner personally. The Commission will do what it can to make sure your relationship with your solicitor remains professional and respectful.
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Am I free to change solicitor?<br><br>

Yes. You are free to change legal practitioner at any time, regardless of whether a complaint has been made against him or her. However, first consider whether changing solicitor at this stage of your legal proceedings is in your best interests.<br><br>

Can I get my paperwork back if I change solicitor?<br><br>

Not necessarily. Your legal practitioner is entitled to claim a lien, that is, he or she has the right to keep any paperwork or other property you gave them until such time as you have paid all fees and expenses for work done to date.
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How long will it take for my complaint to be resolved?
That depends on the nature of your complaint; the more complex or serious the matter, the longer it may take to investigate. All complaints received by the Commission are dealt with as quickly as possible but also thoroughly and fairly, and that sometimes takes time.<br><br>

What happens if my complaint is successful?<br><br>

The Commission will review all the evidence after your complaint has been investigated and decide if there is ‘a reasonable likelihood’ a disciplinary body will find the legal practitioner or law practice employee guilty of either unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct.<br><br>

Can I get compensation?<br><br>

Yes. The Legal Practice Tribunal and the Legal Practice Committee can both make a compensation order if they find the legal practitioner you complained about guilty of either unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct and that you suffered pecuniary (money) loss because of that conduct (see factsheet 4 Compensation orders pdf icon).
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What if I am not happy with the Commission’s decision about my complaint?<br><br>

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