Lehlohonolo Motšoari
The Law Society of Lesotho (LSL) has issued a strong-worded statement against the recent acts of misconduct by some unscrupulous lawyers that threaten to taint the image of the legal profession.
The announcement comes amidst growing public complaints about certain lawyers mishandling and misappropriating clients’ funds.
“We deeply regret the distress caused by incidents involving the mishandling and misappropriation of clients’ funds by some lawyers. The integrity and trust of our profession are paramount, and we are committed to upholding these principles with utmost diligence,” said LSL president Advocate Lintle Tuke.
He further indicated that the LSL is determined to restore and preserve the trust placed in them by the Basotho people, ensuring that justice and integrity prevail in the legal system.
“The Law Society has received numerous complaints regarding financial misconduct, particularly the failure to remit funds owed to clients. These allegations are being taken very seriously, with the Society conducting thorough investigations into each reported case. The Society maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of misconduct, and any lawyer found guilty of such actions will face severe disciplinary action,” the lawyers’s body added.
Following his re-election as the president of the Law Society, Advocate Tuke emphasised the organisation’s commitment to protecting the public during his recent speech.
“We’re prioritising the protection of the Basotho people against unscrupulous lawyers. We are focusing on strict compliance and adherence to the highest ethical standards for lawyers who deviate from the required standards,” Advocate Tuke stated.
In response to the criticisms received, the Law Society recently announced the establishment of an in-house legal aid unit to provide legal assistance and representation to disadvantaged and vulnerable populations in Lesotho.
The move addresses concerns that the Society had not been sufficiently proactive in enforcing laws and holding lawyers accountable.
“The biggest issue was that the Law Society is not serious about enforcing the law in this country; it came out from all angles – we are not serious about regulating the legal profession, holding lawyers accountable, and playing our constitutional mandate in the administration of justice,” Tuke pointed out.
In a significant move to ensure strict compliance, Tuke announced restrictions on lawyers representing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs). During the same June announcement, he stated that only attorneys from law firms, advocates from chambers, government law officers, and lawyers from parastatals are allowed to represent clients in court. “Even if an NGO has a lawyer in its department, that lawyer can only give legal advice but cannot represent it in the courts of law,” he asserted.
The Law Society is implementing robust measures to address and rectify any instances of malpractice swiftly and decisively. They urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspected misconduct by lawyers. “Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain the high standards expected of the legal profession in Lesotho,” the statement concludes.
