Courts and Legal Services Act 1990

Investigations by lay observers

8 (1) Where, before the coming into force of section 21, the Law Society has received a report from a lay observer under section 45 of the [1974 c. 47.] Solicitors Act 1974 (investigation by lay observers of Law Society’s treatment of complaints), the Legal Services Ombudsman shall have no power to investigate any allegation in relation to that complaint.

(2) Where—

(a) any allegation has been duly made to a lay observer under section 45 of the Act of 1974; but

(b) he has not—

(i) concluded his examination of the allegation; or

(ii) reported to the Law Society,

before the repeal of that section has effect,

the Ombudsman may either exercise the functions of a lay observer under the Act of 1974 in relation to that allegation or treat it as an allegation duly made under this Act.

(3) Where the Ombudsman decides to exercise the functions of a lay observer, by virtue of sub-paragraph (2), the Act of 1974 shall have effect in relation to his investigation as if this Act had not been passed.