In South Africa , the Legal Services Ombudsman was a statutory officer that investigated allegations about the improper, ineffective or inefficient way that complaints about lawyers are handled by their respective self-regulating professional bodies.
Ombudsman For Legal Services In South Africa
Law Society welcomes the appointment of the Legal Services Ombudsman,
The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) welcomes the Legal Services Ombudsman (Ombud) appointment, retired Cape Town High Court Judge Siraj Desai.
‘This appointment is long overdue and should have coincided when the Legal Practice Council came into effect on 30 October 2024. I encourage the Department of Justice to ensure that the Ombud’s office is fully capacitated as soon as possible so that the Ombud can become fully operational. The Ombud in terms of the Legal Practice Act (LPA) is independent and only answerable to the Constitution and the law,’ says LSSA President, Mvuzo Notyesi.
The LSSA commits itself to support the work of the Ombud’s office, in the broader interests of the profession and our society.
The Ombud, in terms of the LPA, has the following key objectives:
protect and promote the public interest in relation to the rendering of legal services as contemplated in the LPA;
ensure the fair, efficient and effective investigation of complaints of alleged misconduct against legal practitioners;
promote high standards of integrity in the legal profession; and
promote the independence of the legal profession.
Besides, other powers, the Ombud is competent to investigate any alleged act or omission that may affect the integrity and the independence of the legal profession and public perceptions in respect thereof.
Is there a legal ombudsman in South Africa?
Members of the public can lodge complaints against any law professional through a legal hotline called the “Trustline” initiative which is run by the Law Society of South Africa and the Attorneys Fidelity Fund. The public can lodge complaints at 0800-202-036 or at trustline@tip-off.com.
Is there an ombudsman for the legal profession in South Africa?
The Legal Ombudsman is a free, impartial, and independent body set up to deal with and resolve disputes and complaints relating to Lawyers, Solicitors, and the legal service industry. The Legal Ombudsman can help you with complaints against any legal services provider, including: Solicitors. Barristers.
What complaints does the Legal Ombudsman deal with in South Africa?
The Legal Ombudsman can only look into complaints about regulated legal service providers: solicitors, barristers, licensed conveyancers, cost lawyers, legal executives, notaries, patent attorneys, trade mark attorneys, law firms and companies providing legal services, such as some accountants.
How do I contact the Ombudsman in South Africa?
Contact Details:
Phone: (021) 657 5000 or 0860 103 236. Sharecall: 0860 662 837. Fax: (021) 674 0951. Email: info@ombud.co.za.