Complaints To Law Society

Sir, - I concur with Louise Lyons's concern about the low number of complaints up held by the Law Society of Ireland (August …

Sir, - I concur with Louise Lyons's concern about the low number of complaints up held by the Law Society of Ireland (August 17th). Is it not ironic that the very existence of the society's complaints department flouts a basic principle of law that this profession seek to maintain, namely, nemo judex in causa sua (no one may be a judge in their own case)?

Solicitors investigate solicitors and the result is that the number of complaints upheld is minuscule. Yet this situation draws no comment from our elected representatives. Surely the time has come for a more open and independent complaints system. I believe this could only enhance the reputation of the legal profession and at the same time safeguard the interests of the clients they serve. - Yours, etc.,

Thomas Swan, Mourne Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12.