SLCC publishes criminal law guides for clients and practitioners

The first has advice for people on working with their criminal law solicitor. It is aimed at helping to ensure their case goes smoothly and follows previous consumer guides on conveyancing, family law, wills and executries.

The second is for criminal law solicitors, with advice on how to avoid complaints arising. It is the first in a series of business area specific guides and builds on the previous general SLCC guidance on avoiding complaints and complaint handling.

David Buchanan-Cook, head of the SLCC’s oversight and communications team, said: “As the gateway for all legal complaints in Scotland we have a unique vantage point when it comes to looking at complaints in the sector.

“The vast majority of complaints which come to us stem from communications issues, and from our independent and objective position it’s easy to see that there can be faults on both sides. Producing both these guides at the same time highlights the fact that solicitors and their clients have individual responsibilities, particularly around ensuring effective communication.”