A system of reprimands for solicitors who are guilty of undue delay and poor communication with their clients has been recommended by an independent adjudicator to the profession.
The reprimand system would cover cases which do not necessarily warrant referral to the disciplinary tribunal of the Law Society of Ireland, according to its independent adjudicator, Mr Eamon Condon.
The office of independent adjudicator was set up in 1997 for members of the public who are not satisfied with the way the Law Society deals with a complaint against a solicitor.
The latest edition of the Gazette, the society's journal, says that Mr Condon reviewed 59 cases during his first year in office. Inadequate professional service was the basis for 25 complaints, 19 related to misconduct and 15 to excessive fees.
In his first annual report, Mr Condon proposes that the society should issue a code of conduct on client care for members. It should also run management courses for solicitors who come before the registrar's committee.
The report said the biggest single concern continued to be poor communications between solicitors and their clients, and between solicitor colleagues.
However, Mr Condon praised the work of the society's professional practice directorate, which handles complaints on a day-today basis.
He said its responsibility was to ensure that the day-to-day administration of the unit was performed to a high standard and he was satisfied this was being achieved, notwithstanding the volume of work.