Malawi lawyers accused of swindling clients: Law Society probes

Lawyers in Malawi have been shamed with allegations of embezzlement of clients’ funds and overcharging which Malawi Law Society (MLS) says it is in the process of reviewing complaints lodged.

MLS president John Suzi-Banda said told reporters in Mzuzu on Tuesday that they are investigating 400 cases that date back to 2008 where lawyers are accused of duping clients’ of money for compensation while others are accused of overcharging.

“There is a special committee that is reviewing all the complaints that were made lodged and we have special funding to clear the cases,” Suzi-Banda said.

He said the suspected lawyers will undergo a disciplinary hearing chaired by the Solicitor General starting next month and that MLS will be putting aside a week every month for the hearings.

Lawyers will also be allowed to have a legal representation during the hearings, he said.

There are about 400 cases being investigated, according To MLS president.

In critical theft cases, lawyers risk having their licences revoked as the disciplinary committee will be entitled to recommend to the Attorney General to make an application before the Chief Justice to have the lawyers’ licences revoked.

Suzi-Banda said allegations of embezzlement of clients’ funds are “unacceptable.”

MLS has also organised training for lawyers mostly c bordering on handling of clients funds and communication.