The Samoa Law Society has suspended a lawyer in Samoa.
The Samoa Observer reports that Pa’u Tafaogalupe Mulitalo confirmed his suspension and said he was fighting the decision and lawyer, Unasa Iuni Sapolu, will be representing him.
A March 2nd Notice of Suspension from the Society to Pa’u cited a breach of Section 34 (2) (a) of the LLPA 2014.
The section reads: (2) A lawyer who holds a barrister sole practising certificate may only act as counsel and is subject to the following restrictions: (a) may not take money (whether on trust or otherwise) from any client; ….
Pa’u had written a response to the Law Society Notice to Suspend but a letter from the Law SocietyCouncil said the explanation was not acceptable “given the clear breach of Section 34 (2) (a) of the Act.
Pa’u, who was the lawyer for notorious drug dealer Tagaloasa Filapaina and a nephew in the case alleging they masterminded a foiled breakout at Tafaigata Prison, tried to represent a client in court last week but was told he could not.
The Law Society Notice of Suspension letter did not say when, if any, a hiring would be held on the matter.
