The Law Society of Lesotho has fired a warning shot by urging the lawyers to clean up their houses or face consequences.

President of the Law Society of Lesotho, Advocate Lintle Tuke says it is issuing stern warnings to lawyers engaging in unethical practices to stop their acts immediately. He says recent trends reveal a decline in professional ethics within our legal community, adversely affecting the trust and confidence of the public.

Furthermore, he says it is actively investigating numerous complaints lodged against such practitioners, and the time for accountability has come, adding that ‘Ethical Standards Must Prevail’.  Advocate Tuke says Lawyers are reminded of their duty to uphold the highest ethical standards in the practice of law and that the legal profession plays a crucial role in the administration of justice, and any deviation from ethical norms will not be tolerated.

Moreover, he says it is intensifying efforts to monitor and investigate complaints against lawyers engaging in unethical behavior and that those found culpable will face appropriate consequences, including potential suspension or disbarment.

Advocate Tuke also notes with concern that it has come to the attention of the Law Society that there are individuals, including some law degree holders, masquerading as admitted

Lawyers in good standing and defrauding the members of the public. We call upon these individuals to reveal themselves immediately, failing which they will

face the full wrath of the law.

‘The decline in public confidence demands immediate action (and) the Law Society is committed to rebuilding trust by ensuring that legal practitioners act with integrity, competence, and diligence. He further says all lawyers are urged to self-reflect, rectify any wrongdoing, and strictly adhere to ethical guidelines with immediate effect.

Advocate Tuke says the Law Society will be conducting thorough investigations, and those in violation will be held accountable and that it remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the rule of law and maintaining the highest ethical standards within the legal profession.

He appealed to members of the public, private sector, business and corporate sectors, and all the consumers of legal services to urgently verify the status of their potential Lawyers before consuming their services.

The Law Society of Lesotho is a body formed to oversee that all legal systems operate in an ethical and professional manner to promote justice in the country.