17 March 2016
The Legal Ombudsman (LeO) is looking to expand its jurisdiction. In its draft strategy for 2016/2017, published this week, it announces proposals to “explore the option of dealing with third party complaints” and to develop alternative dispute services such as mediation and “first-tier complaint support”. The idea of LeO engaging with third-party complaints is controversial, with some consumer groups open to the idea and many lawyers concerned about the practical consequences. It also raised the idea in 2013 but no action was taken.
