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Solicitor Complaint: The Legal Ombudsman
If you are unhappy with a solicitor or conveyancer, complain to them first; they are entitled to eight weeks. Then you can take it to the Legal Ombudsman for free, within six months of their final response and within one year of the problem or of finding out about it.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Complaining
The Rules
A service provider is entitled to eight weeks to address your complaint. You must refer it to the Legal Ombudsman within six months of the final response, and within one year of the problem happening or of when you found out about it. The service is free and you can bring a complaint yourself. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 8 weeksLawyer responds to your complaintFirst
- 6 monthsRefer to the Legal OmbudsmanFrom the final response
- 1 yearFrom the problemOr from finding out
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask for the firm's complaints procedure.
Step 2 of 5
Complain in writing. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 3 of 5
Wait up to 8 weeks.
Step 4 of 5
Refer to the Legal Ombudsman within 6 months of the final response.
Step 5 of 5
Keep copies of bills and letters.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Law Firm
Complain here first.
Legal Ombudsman
Free, after 8 weeks or the final response.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Ask for a breakdown of any bill you think is too high.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- legalombudsman.org.uk/for-consumers/faqs Checked 13 October 2026