The Law Society of South Africa (LSSA) welcomes the promulgation of the Legal Practice Act 28 of 2014. The Act was assented to by the President on 20 September and gazette on 22 September 2014.
‘This is a historic event for the legal profession as it signals the formal start to a new dispensation, which we believe will usher in a transparent, transformed, public-centred and responsive profession – changes which the attorneys’ profession has long supported,’ say LSSA Co-Chairpersons Max Boqwana and Ettienne Barnard.
They add: ‘The LSSA has cooperated fully in the long process that has led to the Legal Practice Act and we commit ourselves to cooperating actively with all the relevant stakeholders in the transitional phase that will come into effect once the implementation date for Chapter 10 of the Act, dealing with the National Forum for the Legal Profession, is proclaimed. This will indicate the start of a negotiation process between the stakeholders to put in place the nuts and bolts that will ensure the proper and efficient functioning of a Legal Practice Council that will both protect and inform the public as well as ensuring a strong, independent, vibrant and effective legal profession.’
Issued on behalf of the Co-Chairpersons of The Law Society of South Africa, Max Boqwana and Ettienne Barnard
by Barbara Whittle
Communication Manager, Law Society of South Africa
Website: www.LSSA.org.za
