Maseru, Nov. 06 — The House of the Senate has on Thursday passed the Law Society (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which seeks to amend Section 9(2) of the Law Society Act No. 13 of 1983 to extend the term of the Council from one year to five years.
During the reading of the Bill, Senator Seabata Motsamai stated that the amendment aims to promote continuity, stability, and sufficient time for the implementation of Council resolutions and initiatives.
He emphasised that longer terms will enable better planning, execution, and realization of long-term goals and visions set by the Council for the advancement of the legal profession in Lesotho.
However, Senator Motsamai noted that the Committee expressed concern over the absence of a transitional clause in the Bill, describing it as a governance issue.
He also raised concerns about reports of legal practitioners defrauding clients, pointing out that the Law Society appears not to be doing enough to protect the public.
Additionally, he mentioned that the Committee observed a lack of public awareness regarding the Law Society’s mandate. It also noted with concern that some individuals pose as legal representatives before the courts, deceiving the public, while the Law Society has not taken sufficient action against them.
