Law Society to be hit by potential £1m fine

The Law Society could face a fine of up to £1m if it fails to deal with complaints, it was announced today (September 13).

Following consultation with legal professional bodies, an Order was laid before Parliament to fix the maximum penalty at up to £1m. Legal service complaints commissioner Zahida Manzoor can impose the fine if she finds the society has not handled complaints adequately.

David Lammy MP, the constitutional affairs minister, said the fine would act as an incentive for the Law Society to improve its complaints handling performance.

Manzoor criticised the society’s complaints handling record in her annual report published in July this year, but says she is continuing to work with it to improve the service it provides to consumers.