THE LAUNCH OF THE LEGAL SERVICES OMBUD IN SOUTH AFRICA
Most South Africans are not aware of the different platforms available to them in situations when they are aggrieved by the conduct of a legal practitioner. Some of these platforms are more expensive than others, depending on various factors which differ from case to case. One of the most recently introduced platforms is the Legal Services Ombud (‘the Ombud’), which was launched on 2 June 2022.
The Office of Legal Services Ombud was established in terms of Section 45 of the Legal Practice Act, 28 of 2014 (‘the Act’). President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed retired Justice Sirajudien Desai to head the office.
The Ombud has been given the mandate to advance and safeguard the legal profession by investigating complaints and alleged maladministration, as well actions which may affect the integrity of the legal profession. Whilst the Ombud will assist the members of the public with the resolution of disputes, it will also curb some misinformation the public might have about legal practitioners. It will investigate and resolve the disputes in accordance with Section 48 of the Act; it will also help put to bed some meritless complaints that members of the public may have against legal practitioners.
The launch of the Ombud is expected to receive a positive welcome among South Africans, as it will provide a platform for the protection of constitutional rights. Section 34 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, provides that “everyone has the right to have any dispute that can be resolved by the application of law decided in a fair public hearing before a court or, where appropriate, another independent and impartial tribunal or forum.” The Ombud is one such forum, which will afford both the members of the public and legal practitioners a speedy resolution of disputes, thereby giving effect to the constitutionally entrenched rights.
The Office is operational from 15 June 2022, and has published its Rules. These clearly set out how complaints are to be lodged, as well as the pertinent forms that should accompany the complaints.
Mzwakhe Poswa
Modernising the Commissioning of Oaths: The Draft 2026 Regulations
Introduction On 31 July 2026, the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development published for public comment the draft Regulations Governing the Administering of an Oath or Affirmation, 2026, i...
August 24 2026
Insured’s Failure to Give Prompt Notice and Pre-Notice Alteration of Damaged Property Held to Bar Coverage as a Matter of Law
In Global Approach, Inc. v. Scottsdale Insurance Co., 2026 WL 1513430, a United States federal district court granted summary judgement in favour of a property insurer on the entirety of the insured...
August 18 2026
Litigation privilege and insurer-commissioned expert reports: A recent reaffirmation
Introduction A recent High Court judgment has reaffirmed the protection afforded by litigation privilege to expert reports commissioned by insurers in the context of pending litigation. The case conce...
August 13 2026