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Making a complaint

Step 1: start by getting in touch with your lawyer first

You must show you have tried to resolve your concerns directly with your lawyer before we can take a complaint.  We can give you some tips on how to do this effectively, or you can view our Tips to handling a dispute page.

Step 2: make sure your complaint is one we can handle

Read the Before making a complaint and How the complaint process works pages to make sure your complaint is one we can look into and that you know what information we need from you.

Step 3: share your concerns with us

When you use our Consumer enquiry form our team can assess whether your complaint is one we can manage. They will look into the information you provide on the form and then contact you to talk about your options. Access the form below:

Consumer enquiry form

Before completing the form make sure you find all the documents you have about your legal case and any contact with your lawyer so you are ready to hear from us. 

Our team will manage your concerns without taking sides. They will explain the next steps and what you can expect. 

If you can't use the online form

If you are not able to use the online form you can call us on (03) 9679 8001 or 1300 796 344 (toll free) to arrange a time for someone to talk to you about your issue.

Reporting sexual harassment

If you wish to discuss a matter confidentially, or make a complaint relating to sexual harassment by a lawyer, please:

• call us on (03) 9679 8001 or 1300 796 344 and ask to talk to a member of the Sexual Harassment Complaints Team, or
• email harassmentcomplaints@lsbc.vic.gov.au, or
• send mail addressed to the Sexual Harassment Complaints Team, Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner, GPO Box 492, Melbourne VIC 3001.

You can read more about making a sexual harassment complaint about a lawyer here.

Compensation claims

If you have lost money or property held in trust by a lawyer, a law clerk or barrister’s clerk, you may be able make a claim for compensation. For information on making a claim, please see the Compensation page.

National Redress Scheme for institutional child sexual abuse

A free government-funded service is available to assist you with applying for compensation under the National Redress Scheme for institutional child sexual abuse. Find out more here.