Legal Services Commissioner
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Making a complaint
Complaints can be made to the Legal Services Commissioner about lawyers and in certain circumstances complaints can be made about law practices.
Download the “Do you have a problem with your lawyer?” brochure (120KB PDF)
What can I complain about?
The Legal Services Commissioner deals with complaints about:
- Delays caused by your lawyer
- Poor communication
- Incompetence
- Inadequate service
- Ethical issues (such as conflict of interest)
The Legal Services Commissioner also deals with disputes about:
- the costs you have been charged by your lawyer
- your lawyer’s action having caused you financial loss.
How do I make a complaint?
Complaints to the Legal Services Commissioner must be made in writing.
Download a Complaint Form (120 KB PDF – also available from the office) or send us a letter providing all relevant details. Send your form or letter to:
By fax: 03 9679 8101
By post:
Legal Services Commissioner
9/330 Collins Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
What time limits apply?
Costs disputes
A complaint about the costs you have been charged (a “costs dispute”) is subject to strict time limits and cannot exceed $25,000. In most cases you have 60 days from the day the bill was payable in which to dispute those costs. If you have requested an itemised bill you have only 30 days after the request was complied with to dispute those costs. Even if you have paid the bill, you can complain within this time.
If you have not paid the bill in full, in most cases, before the Legal Services Commissioner can handle your complaint, you must pay the outstanding amount to the Legal Services Commissioner. You have only 28 days from the date of making your complaint to pay the outstanding money to the Legal Services Commissioner.
Time is crucial when challenging the costs you have been charged so contact the Legal Services Commissioner if you have any queries.
Other complaints (six years)
If you complain that you have suffered financial loss as a result of your lawyer’s actions, you must register your dispute within six years of those actions.
A complaint about the professional conduct of a lawyer must be made within six years of the conduct that led to the complaint.
Where do I go for further information?
If you have any queries about making a complaint please contact the Legal Services Commissioner.
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