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Complaints and Disciplinary Procedures

Code of Conduct

ILEX members are governed by a Code of Conduct.  The Code includes the requirement for members to:

  • Behave professionally
  • Observe the same standards as solicitors
  • Ensure clients receive the same support and quality of service as a solicitor provides.

Making a Complaint

ILEX will follow the procedure outlined below when a complaint is made against a member.

  • A complaint should be made on the complaint form and sent to ILEX
  • An investigating practitioner or an ILEX Officer will deal with the complaint
  • A copy of the complaint is sent to the member for their response to the allegations
  • Enquiries about the issues may also be made, e.g. from employers.

Once all the information has been gathered a summary of the issues is prepared and the matter is put to the ILEX Investigating Committee which normally meets every month.

The Committee is made up of six members of the ILEX Council, who are Fellows, and three representatives who are independent of ILEX. 

The Investigating Committee may:

  • Admonish, reprimand or warn a member
  • Require a member to give an undertaking as to his future conduct
  • Request further information
  • Reject the complaint; or
  • If it is a serious matter, refer it to ILEX's  Disciplinary Tribunal.

ILEX will tell the member and complainant of the decision of the Investigating Committee within seven working days.

A complainant or member may appeal against a decision of the Investigating Committee within 21 days unless the matter is referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal.  An appeal will be heard by the Appeals Committee which may confirm or vary the decision or refer the matter back to the Investigating Committee for further consideration.

If a complaint is referred to the Disciplinary Tribunal the complainant will be informed of the hearing date of the Disciplinary Tribunal and may be required to attend as a witness.

The member will receive full information of the case against him and be entitled to attend and be represented at the Tribunal hearing.

Two independent 'lay' representatives and a member of the ILEX Council will hear the case.

The Tribunal will decide whether the case has been proved and, if it has been proved, what         disciplinary action should be taken.

The Tribunal has the power to:

  • Exclude a person from membership, or
  • Admonish or reprimand the member. 

In addition the member can be ordered to pay.

  • A fine up to £3000
  • Costs to the Institute, and/or
  • Compensation to the complainant.

The Tribunal may decide that its decision should be published. 

The member may appeal against a decision of the Disciplinary Tribunal to the Appeals Tribunal who may affirm or vary the findings of the Disciplinary Tribunal.

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