Complaints · Complaint & ombud
Legal Practice Council Complaints Contact Details
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For the Legal Practice Council, the national contact number is +27 (0) 10 001 8500 and the general email address is info@lpc.org.za. For provincial complaints, Gauteng can be contacted on +27 (0) 12 338 5800 and Western Cape on +27 (0) 21 443 6700.
Legal Practice Council contact numbers and complaints emails
| Province | Phone Number | Contact / Complaints Email |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | +27 (0) 12 338 5800 | infogp@lpc.org.za |
| Western Cape | +27 (0) 21 443 6700 | infowc@lpc.org.za |
| KwaZulu-Natal | +27 (0) 33 345 1304 | infokzn@lpc.org.za |
| Free State | +27 (0) 51 447 3237 | infofs@lpc.org.za |
| Eastern / Northern Cape / Others | National Switchboard | info@lpc.org.za |
The Legal Practice Council (LPC) is the statutory body regulating legal practitioners, including attorneys, advocates and candidate legal practitioners, across South Africa. Members of the public, clients and third parties can use the LPC complaint process where the issue concerns professional misconduct, ethical breaches, gross negligence or financial irregularities involving a legal practitioner or law firm.
The national general contact number is +27 (0) 10 001 8500, the national general email address is info@lpc.org.za, and the official website is lpc.org.za. Before submitting a formal complaint, verify that it is being sent to the provincial LPC office for the province where the legal practitioner or firm practices.
ContactDetails.co.za is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with the Legal Practice Council or any legal practice. Never make payments to individuals claiming to represent the LPC over social media or unofficial WhatsApp channels. Confirm contact channels on the official website, lpc.org.za.
Legal Practice Council Gauteng contact details
For a Legal Practice Council Gauteng complaint or provincial enquiry, the phone number is +27 (0) 12 338 5800 and the contact or complaints email is infogp@lpc.org.za. Complaints should be directed to the provincial office responsible for the area where the attorney, advocate or firm practices.
The safest way to lodge a complaint is in writing using the official LPC Complaint Submission Form and submitting it to the relevant provincial office. The complaint should identify both the complainant and the legal practitioner and include the supporting documents needed to explain the matter.
When to complain to the Legal Practice Council
A formal LPC complaint can be used where a legal practitioner’s conduct may constitute professional misconduct under the Legal Practice Act. The page identifies several types of conduct that may justify a complaint.
- Failure to Account for Trust Money: Withholding funds, failing to pay over settlement money such as RAF payouts or property transfer proceeds, or overcharging unlawfully.
- Lack of Communication: Repeatedly failing to respond to legitimate inquiries regarding your instruction over extended periods.
- Gross Negligence: Missing statutory deadlines, prescription dates or court appearances that severely compromise your case.
- Unethical Conduct: Conflict of interest, dishonesty, breach of attorney-client confidentiality or abusive communication.
What to do before lodging an LPC complaint
Before escalating the matter, first raise the complaint directly with the senior director, managing partner or ethics partner of the law firm. Set out your concerns in writing and request a written response within a reasonable timeframe, such as 7 to 14 working days.
Keep a record of what you have already done. Useful records include emails, signed fee agreements, proof of payments and notes from phone calls or meetings. These records can help show the history of the dispute when the complaint is later assessed.
Be cautious of third parties promising “guaranteed compensation” or charging upfront fees to lodge an LPC complaint on your behalf. The page advises checking official contact channels before sharing information or making payments.
How to lodge a complaint about an attorney or advocate
If direct resolution does not resolve the issue, the complaint can be submitted through the LPC’s formal misconduct complaint process. The official Complaint Submission Form can be obtained through lpc.org.za or requested from the relevant provincial office.
- Get the official complaint form: Access the LPC complaint form through the official LPC portal or request it from the appropriate provincial office.
- Complete the complainant details: Provide full names, ID number and contact details.
- Identify the respondent: Include the practitioner’s name, firm name and office location.
- Submit supporting documents: Send the completed form and relevant records to the provincial office where the attorney or advocate practices.
- Obtain an acknowledgment: Ensure that you receive a formal acknowledgment letter containing a unique LPC reference number.
For broader information about professional-service contact routes, see the professional services section. Other complaint information is also available through the Complaints Contact Pages.
Documents and information to prepare
Organise the supporting information chronologically so that the complaint can be assessed with the relevant background and evidence available.
- Practitioner Details: Full name of the advocate or attorney, firm name and physical office location.
- Mandate Details: The date when you initially instructed the attorney and the nature of the legal work, such as an RAF claim, property transfer, divorce or estate administration.
- Written Agreements: Copies of signed mandate and fee agreements, if applicable.
- Financial Evidence: Proof of deposit payments, trust account transfers or fee statements issued.
- Correspondence Record: Relevant email threads, letters, WhatsApp transcripts or SMS logs showing attempts to resolve the issue directly.
LPC complaint follow-up and reference numbers
Once a complaint is formally logged, the LPC Disciplinary Committee or investigating officer will issue an official reference number. Keep this reference available for later enquiries and include it in the subject line of follow-up emails.
The legal practitioner is entitled to receive a copy of the complaint and prepare a written response. Investigations and disciplinary proceedings may take several weeks to months depending on complexity. The LPC should also be notified if your email address or phone number changes while the investigation is under way.
If the dispute also concerns bank fees, trust transfers or unauthorized payments, the existing directory routes include Bank Complaints Contact Details and Banking Ombudsman Contact Details.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Legal Practice Council number?
The national Legal Practice Council contact number is +27 (0) 10 001 8500. Provincial numbers include +27 (0) 12 338 5800 for Gauteng and +27 (0) 21 443 6700 for Western Cape.
How do I submit a complaint to the Legal Practice Council?
Use the official LPC Complaint Submission Form, complete your details and the legal practitioner’s details, attach the supporting documents and submit the complaint to the relevant LPC provincial office.
What is the Legal Practice Council Gauteng number?
The Gauteng phone number is +27 (0) 12 338 5800 and the contact or complaints email is infogp@lpc.org.za.
What proof should I keep for an LPC complaint?
Keep signed mandates, fee agreements, proof of payments or deposits, statements of account and relevant written communication such as emails, letters, text messages and WhatsApp transcripts.
How should I follow up on a complaint?
Keep the official LPC reference number and quote it when following up. If you receive no reply, the page also gives the national switchboard as +27 010 001 8500 for confirming receipt and checking whether the matter has been assigned an official reference number.