Law firm drags client to court over K200, 000 legal fees

A LAW firm has dragged its client to the Lusaka High Court for refusing to settle over K200, 000 legal fees after being successfully represented in a criminal offence.

Milner and Paul legal practitioners sued Nobert Peleti whom it represented in a criminal matter in which he was facing one count of alleged Theft by Public Servant before the subordinate court in Lusaka.

The firm claimed that on July 7th 2011, Mr Peleti engaged it to act for him adding that it was agreed that he would pay K10, 000 for running expenses on the file and on November 28th, 2011 the action was commenced.

The law firm further claimed that acting on behalf of Mr Peleti, one witness was called in addition to 11 witnesses called by the state and co-accused.

And further acting on instruction, the law firm prepared and filed into court on case to answer stage and final submissions.

The Law firm claimed that on October 25th 2017, Mr Peleti was acquitted of the charge of Theft by servant but neglected to pay legal fees thereafter.

“Following the acquittal of Mr Peleti we issued him a fee note on October 27th 2017 of K216. 150. 09 as legal fees in addition to the initial sum of K10, 000. 00 paid as deposit,” the firm claimed.

The law firm further claimed that Mr Peleti had neglected to settle the said amount and by reason of such failure, the firm has suffered loss and damage.

Now the firm wants the courts indulgence in the payment of the said amount, interest and costs for suit.