Lawyer Maxwell Tembo of Ballen and Associates has been banned from practising as a lawyer for embezzling K7 million meant for his clients.
Tembo stole the money in 2015 and was found guilty by the Malawi Law Commission (MLS) disciplinary committee following a complaint from the clients.
Malawi’s Attorney General Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda then filed an application for the disbarment of Tembo.
Nyirenda argued that Tembo’s conduct was improper and amounted to theft since he did not account for the money he received on behalf of his clients. He added that Tembo also failed to update his clients on the progress of their case.
Nyirenda said Tembo’s conduct brings the profession of law into disrepute.
Making a ruling on the issue today, Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda has disbarred Tembo and has ordered him to refund his clients with interest.
On 6th May, Mzikamanda is also expected to hear disbarment proceedings for three other lawyers namely Richard Katsiche, Nicely Msowoya and Julius Nyambo.
Attorney General Nyirenda said the aim of the proceedings is not to punish lawyers but to protect the public and the court.
Earlier this month, the Malawi Law Society (MLS) punished 22 legal practitioners for offences such as professional negligence, overcharging clients, intimidation and threats, failure to update clients, failure to handover files, failure to remit funds, failure to disclose and failure to refund deposits.
Of the 22 legal practitioners, the committee recommended six for disbarment; one for two-year suspension and five for six-month suspension.
