Watchdog for lawyers

CLIENTS dissatisfied with disciplinary action taken against errant barristers and solicitors will be able to appeal to a watchdog, it emerged yesterday.

The legal services ombudsman will be able to rule on measures taken by the Law Society and Bar Council, which are considered too lenient.

The watchdog will be appointed by the Minister for Justice and serve for a term of up to six years.

Controversy surrounding the activities of solicitors Michael Lynn and Thomas Byrne prompted the Government to beef up disciplinary sanctions within the legal professions.

Members of the public will be able to lodge complaints with the ombudsman if they feel solicitors or barristers have not been dealt with properly by their professional bodies.

The ombudsman will have powers to order either body to take action if they have been found to fail in their roles policing the legal professions.

The legal services ombudsman will replace the independent adjudicator, who reviews complaints made to the Law Society.

Solicitors, barristers and members of the Oireachtas, European Parliament or local authorities will be barred from holding the post.