‘Mantšali Phakoana
The Law Society of Lesotho says it is investigating numerous complaints against rogue lawyers engaging in unethical practices such as mishandling clients’ funds and neglecting their statutory duties.
The society’s president, Lintle Tuke, said the organisation was concerned that some individuals, including law degree holders, were masquerading as admitted lawyers in good standing and defrauding the public.
He warned that the legal body would leave no stone unturned in its quest to hold perpetrators accountable.
Advocate Tuke told theReporter yesterday that about 70 cases had been reported to the Law Society since 2005 but no action had been taken.
He accused the previous leadership of the organisation of failing to act on the complaints.
“I’m not sure why no action was taken after complaints were filed by clients. It seems someone was protecting the perpetrators,” he noted.
Tuke added that the society has established both complaint and disciplinary committees to probe and take action on the cases.
In an earlier statement this week, Advocate Tuke said the society had seen a decline in professional ethics within the legal community.
This adversely affected the trust and confidence of the public in lawyers, he indicated, adding the organisation was committed to restoring the integrity of the legal profession.
“Rogue lawyers engaging in practices such as mishandling clients’ funds, neglecting statutory duties, not being in good standing, and delivering sub-standard services are on notice,” Adv Tuke observed.
“Recent trends reveal a decline in professional ethics within our legal community, adversely affecting the trust and confidence of the public. The Law Society views this with great concern and is committed to restoring the integrity of the legal profession.”
He said the society was intensifying efforts to monitor and investigate complaints against lawyers engaging in unethical behaviour and those found culpable would face appropriate consequences, including potential suspension or disbarment.
He also reminded lawyers of their duty to uphold the highest ethical standards in the practice of law.
The legal profession plays a crucial role in the administration of justice, and any deviation from ethical norms would not be tolerated.
“The Law Society is actively investigating numerous complaints lodged against such practitioners, and the time for accountability has come,” he added.
Adv Tuke reiterated the society’s commitment to rebuild trust by ensuring that legal practitioners act with integrity, competence, and diligence.
“We urge lawyers to self-reflect, rectify any wrongdoing, and strictly adhere to ethical guidelines with immediate effect.
“The Law Society of Lesotho remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the highest ethical standards within the legal profession.
“We call upon all lawyers to join us in this endeavour, ensuring that justice is served, and the public can once again have faith in the legal system,” he appealed.
Adv Tuke further urged the public, private sector, business and corporate sectors, and all consumers of legal services to verify the status of their potential lawyers before engaging them.
“The lists of all lawyers in good standing with the Law Society of Lesotho will be made public through our social media platforms, police stations, court buildings etc. and on request by members of the public,” he added.
