Law Society complaints handling 'inadequate' once again

The Law Society is facing the threat of a £1m fine after the Legal Services Complaints Commissioner (LSCC), Zahida Manzoor, called its plan for improving complaints handling inadequate.

Manzoor asked the society to submit a plan to her outlining the way it intends to meet performance targets for the next financial year, commencing in April.

But having examined the plan, submitted by September 30, she says it contains "fundamental weaknesses" and wants the society to draw up a revised outline by December 6.

If the Law Society fails to meet the deadline without good cause, Manzoor has the power to levy a fine of up to £1m. This can also be imposed if the new plan is seen as inadequate.

A Law Society spokesman said: "We have received the LSSC’s comments and we are seeking to revise our plan in an effort to meet her concerns."