LSB appoints barrister to the Office for Legal Complaints
The Legal Services Board (LSB) has announced the appointment of barrister Elaine Banton as a non-lay member of the Office for Legal Complaints (OLC). The LSB oversees the OLC, the board of the Legal Ombudsman, making appointments to its board of both lay and non-lay members. Non-lay members are legally qualified.
As a barrister, Elaine acts for employees and employers in all areas of employment law, focusing on complex and protracted litigation at all levels. Her practice includes long-running multi-characteristic discrimination matters, and she advises both global and national businesses. Elaine handles all types of equality-related claims. She was called to the Bar in 1996.
Elaine has been appointed to the OLC for a four-year term from 1 October 2024 to 30 September 2028.
This follows Dale Simon CBE’s term of office on the OLC. She served from 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2024.
Alan Kershaw, chair of the Legal Services Board, said: ‘An effective system of complaints is vital for public and professional confidence in legal services, so I’m delighted to congratulate Elaine on her appointment. Her professional experience will benefit the OLC’s work and further strengthen our aim of ensuring people who use legal services can seek redress when things go wrong.’
Elisabeth Davies, chair of the Office for Legal Complaints, said: ‘Elaine will be joining the OLC at such a significant time. We have already started an increased focus on sharing learning and insight with the sector, and all will likely want us to do more of this as the sector deals with an increasing number of complaints—we want to continue to step up, helping consumers of legal services by helping the sector.
‘Elaine's knowledge of the sector will significantly benefit the work of the OLC and our focus on ensuring the ambition for LeO’s service and impact delivery for both the public and the profession.
‘I would like to take this opportunity to also extend my sincere thanks on behalf of the OLC, to Dale Simon for her valuable service and contributions as a Board Member throughout her term of office.’
Commenting on her appointment, Elaine said: ‘I am delighted to be appointed to the OLC board. I bring over 20 years of experience in governance on various boards and committees and look forward to working with OLC board members on these important matters.’
