Hi there. Barristers, like all legal practitioners in New South Wales, are subject to certain legal and professional duties that regulate their conduct when dealing with the court and clients. Importantly, a barrister must not engage in ‘unsatisfactory professional conduct’, which is conduct that falls short of the standard of competence and diligence that a member of the public is entitled to expect of a reasonably competent barrister. Such conduct may include poor advice and representation, threatening or abusive behaviour, serious delays, etc. A barrister is also prohibited from engaging in ‘professional misconduct’, which refers to a more serious breach or consistent failure to meet his or her professional duties as a barrister.

If you are dissatisfied with the services or behaviour of a barrister in New South Wales, you can lodge a formal complaint with the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner (OLSC). This organisation is responsible for investigating complaints against legal practitioners in NSW. It is recommended that you first phone the OLSC on 1800 242 958 to discuss your complaint. You can then lodge a formal complaint in writing by downloading a complaint form from www.olsc.nsw.gov.au. A complaint must be lodged within 3 years of the conduct that is alleged to have occurred, or within 2 months if the dispute is about a bill.