70% of SRA reports are closed without investigation. Over 60% of Legal Ombudsman complaints fail at first contact. Not because the misconduct didn't happen: because the complaint wasn't built the way regulators need to see it. We build complaints that land.
We'll set out an example of what each issue means in regulatory terms, what evidence helps, and what outcome is possible. This is not an exhaustive list of issues we can assist with.
Regulators don't just need a story. They need dated facts, evidence, the correct route, and a clear explanation of why the conduct or service failure meets the relevant threshold.
Service failures usually go to the Legal Ombudsman. Conduct issues go to the SRA. Most cases involve both. OmbudSRA builds all routes simultaneously.
Every service includes route assessment, evidence review, and professionally drafted complaint documents.
OmbudSRA is staffed by regulatory professionals with direct in-house SRA experience. We know how the assessment threshold is applied and exactly why most reports fail before they are properly read. We prepare firm complaint letters, SRA misconduct reports and Legal Ombudsman complaints from the facts and evidence you provide.
Everything you need to know before submitting.
No. OmbudSRA prepares complaint documents and route assessments. We are not a law firm and do not conduct litigation. If your matter requires legal advice or court proceedings, we will tell you.
The SRA investigates conduct: dishonesty, conflicts, client money, serious professional breaches. The Legal Ombudsman investigates service: delay, poor communication, overcharging, failure to follow instructions. Many cases involve both. OmbudSRA assesses the route and drafts for all applicable channels simultaneously.
For the Legal Ombudsman, yes: the firm must have a chance to respond, or eight weeks must pass. SRA misconduct reports can usually be made without waiting for the firm complaint process. OmbudSRA drafts the firm complaint letter as part of the service.
For the Legal Ombudsman: within six months of the firm's final response, and within one year of the act or when you became aware. SRA misconduct reports have no formal time limit, though older matters may be deprioritised. Contact OmbudSRA promptly to preserve your position.
The Legal Ombudsman can award up to GBP 50,000 compensation. The SRA does not award compensation directly but can impose unlimited fines, restrict practice, suspend or strike off the solicitor. A firm complaint can result in a fee reduction, refund or apology.
OmbudSRA drafts follow-up representation addressing the stated reasons for closure. This is included free for Full Service and Full Advocate clients. If the SRA process itself was flawed, CEDR Independent Complaints Review can review the SRA's handling (free, 20 working days).
OmbudSRA delivers complaint documents within 72 hours of receiving your facts and evidence. The SRA's own investigation takes 6 to 18 months typically. The Legal Ombudsman's process takes 3 to 12 months. OmbudSRA manages correspondence throughout.
SRA misconduct reports can be made by anyone, including the opposing party. The Legal Ombudsman generally only accepts complaints from the solicitor's own client. If the opposing solicitor's conduct is serious enough, an SRA report is the correct route.