The involvement of the Law Institute in the regulation process is similar to that of the legal professions in the United Kingdom and most common law countries including Canada. The position in Australia varies from state to state. In Queensland, the Queensland Law Society Inc. investigates complaints of malpractice, professional misconduct or unprofessional conduct or practice against solicitors. Once a complaint is made, complaints are referred to the solicitor against whom the complaint is made for an explanation. If the solicitor does not give a satisfactory explanation, the Professional Standards Department of the Law Society seeks a further explanation.
Mediation is available to attempt to resolve appropriate complaints.
The complaints process in Queensland is under review as part of a wider study of the legislation, caused by the virtual collapse of that State's Fidelity Fund. But this now seems out of favour. The Queensland government has shown interest in the NSW system, but it is not clear how significant its interest is. Informal indications are that Queensland now believes that the NSW system is too expensive. The NSW system provides for all complaints to be received by a Legal Services Commissioner.