7 Oct 2010

Barred lawyers investigated by police

9:26 pm on 7 October 2010

Police in South Auckland are investigating two of the three lawyers barred from doing legal aid work.

The Legal Services Agency on Wednesday said Iuni Sapolu, Josie Fuimaono-Sapolu and Brett Ravelich will no longer be able to provide legal aid services for clients.

The agency will not disclose why their contracts have been cancelled, but says more lawyers are expected to be barred.

The firm run by Iuni Sapolu and her daughter Josie Fuimaono-Sapolu has received $1,491,309 of legal aid funding since 2006. However, the Legal Services Agency says it is not getting any more because the work is sub-standard.

Mr Ravelich has received $435,161 in the past four years.

Counties Manukau police say they are investigating the women after receiving a complaint from the Legal Services Agency on Wednesday.

In a statement, Iuni Sapolu and Josie Fuimaono-Sapolu say they have been made scapegoats by the agency.

The lawyers say they have been accused of overcharging, not meeting standards and obligations, and having a lack of quality and integrity.

They say unless challenged, the Legal Services Agency will continue to cut off outstanding Polynesian lawyers.

The Law Society says naming and shaming legal aid lawyers will only mean fewer lawyers shouldering more work, putting more pressure on barristers and the legal system.

Law Society president Jonathan Temm says the profession in general is disappointed, however he supports the Legal Services Agency.