Legal Ombudsman

"The Legal Ombudsman for England and Wales was set up by the Office for Legal Complaints (our Board) under the Legal Services Act 2007.

They are independent and impartial. This means that when they receive complaints, they will look at the facts in each case and weigh-up both sides of the story. They are not consumer champions or part of the legal profession, and they are also independent of government. Their service is paid for by legal and claims management companies and is free to consumers to use."

 Costs awyer Standard Board

With effect from 31 October 2011 the CLSB became an Approved Regulator under the Legal Services Act 2007. Its regulatory work for the Costs Lawyer profession includes setting and maintaining standards, this is achieved by:

• Setting and overseeing education and training requirements that need to be met to qualify as a Costs Lawyer.
• Setting and overseeing continuing professional development (CPD) required of a CLSB authorised and regulated Costs Lawyers.
• Setting the professional standard expected of a CLSB authorised and regulated Costs Lawyers by way of a Code of Conduct and Practising Rules.
• Implementing disciplinary mechanisms for any CLSB authorised and regulated Costs Lawyer who might fall short of the professional standard expected of them.

The Legal Services Board oversees the work of the CLSB to ensure all regulatory provisions are met under the Legal Services Act 2007 and other prevailing legislation.

 Association of Costs Lawyers

"The Association of Costs Lawyers is committed to the education and support of the Costs Lawyer profession.

The organisation was formed as the Association of Law Costs Draftsmen in 1977 with the object of promoting the status and interests of the profession of law costs draftsmen generally, and ensuring the maintenance of the highest professional standards. The name of the association was changed in 2011 following the recognition of Costs Lawyers in the Legal Services Act 2007."