In brief
A new Law Society-accredited training course aims to teach lawyers when it would best serve clients to complain to the Local Government Ombudsman instead of going to court. The course covers issues including the ombudsman’s role and jurisdiction; how to submit a complaint; and costs. Peter Whiteley, who will be presenting the course, says: “I know from my own previous experience as a practising solicitor that I had very little awareness of the ombudsman, and can now think of many occasions where it would have been beneficial for clients of mine. So I want to increase lawyers’ awareness of a way to help their clients that they may not have considered.” The course costs £95 per person. Contact Whiteley on 020 7217 4626 or e-mail p.whiteley@lgo.org.uk.