The latest New Zealand Law Society complaints report shows that overcharging and professional breaches are the main reasons behind clients making an official complaint. The annual Lawyers Complaints Service report for the year to June 30 shows that 1,461 complaints were made during the period. During that time, 1,377 complaints were closed, with no action being taken in 1,061 of those cases (77%).  Of those 1,377 complaints 13% related to overcharging, 13% to breaches of the Rules of Conduct and Client Care, 10% to other conduct issues, 9% over inadequate reporting or communications, 8% to alleged negligence or incompetence, and 7% to delay.

Most of the complaints filed with the Lawyers Complaints Service over the year came from clients or former clients of lawyers (58%).  Third parties (13%) were the next-most important source, followed by clients for the other side (10%) and lawyers (10%).

The report also provides information on the parties against whom complaints were made. Most (1381 of 1461 complaints) were against lawyers, with 56 against former lawyers, 16 against non-lawyer employees, four against incorporated law firms, three against former non-lawyer employees, and one against a former incorporated law firm. During the period the Lawyers Standards Committees made determinations on 123 complaints. Of the orders made, 30% were for payment of costs to NZLS, 17% were for payment of a fine to NZLS, 16% were for a censure or reprimand and 12% were for payment of NZLS inquiry costs and expenses.

Related stories:

Complaints rise in NSW, lawyer reprimanded in Tasmania 6 october 2010

Lawyers making headlines for the wrong reasons 27 September 2010