As the independent regulator responsible for the oversight of both branches of the legal profession, we operate to meet six key statutory objectives:
Our key functions are to regulate the provision of legal services by legal practitioners – both barristers and solicitors and to ensure the maintenance and improvement of standards in the provision of legal services. We also accept and investigate complaints which relate to the provision of legal services by barristers and solicitors, including solicitors’ firms.
The Authority has eleven general functions under the Legal Services Regulation Act 2015. These are to:
Keep under review and make recommendations to the Minister in respect of:
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- admission requirements of the Law Society, Bar Council, and Honorable Society of King’s Inns;
- availability and quality of education and training including ongoing training for the solicitors’ and barristers’ professions;
- policies in relation to admission and, or, entitlement to practise of the Law Society, Bar Council and the Honorable Society of the King’s Inns;
- professional codes;
- the organisation of the provision of legal services in the State.
Disseminate information in respect of the education and accreditation requirements and any other matters referred to above as the LSRA thinks fit.
Specify the nature and minimum levels of professional indemnity insurance required.
Establish and administer a system of inspection of legal practitioners for the purposes of the Act.
Receive and investigate complaints against legal practitioners.
Establish and maintain the roll of practising barristers.
Promote public awareness and disseminate information to the public in respect of legal services, including the cost of such services.
Keep the Minister for Justice informed of developments in respect of the provision of legal services including their cost.
Keep the Minister informed of developments in respect of the provision of legal services and make recommendations to assist the Minister in coordinating and developing policy.
Undertake, commission or assist in research projects and other activities in respect of the provision of legal services, which may increase public awareness and promote an improvement in standards for their provision, and make recommendations to the Minister for Justice.
Perform any other functions conferred by the Act or by regulations made under it.
A Corporate Governance Assurance Agreement 2024-2026 between the LSRA and the Department of Justice was signed on 24 January 2024.
Our Quality Service Charter sets out the standard of service and behaviour you can expect from our complaints staff.
