Legal Complaints and Regulation Act (Northern Ireland) 2016 Explanatory Notes

Schedule 3: The Solicitors Complaints Committee

Schedule 3 sets out the membership, terms of office, remuneration arrangements and procedural arrangements of the Solicitors Complaints Committee.

Paragraphs 1-4 of Schedule 2 requires the Complaints Committee to be chaired by a lay person and to consist of a majority of lay persons, appointed by the Law Society, after consultation with the Legal Services Oversight Commissioner on the manner of the appointments, and after consultation with the Commissioner on the making of the appointments. No members of the Law Society Council may sit on the Complaints Committee.

Paragraphs 5 of Schedule 2 sets out the terms of office of members of the Committee. Members may be appointed for 5 years, and be re-appointed for a further 5 year period. Provisions setting out how members may resign or be removed from office are set out.

Paragraph 6 sets out the remuneration arrangements for members of the Committee and paragraph 7 allows it to make arrangements for assistance.

Paragraphs 8 and 9 outline procedural arrangements, including sub-committees and quorum.

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