The Office of the Chief Registrar is now scrutinizing the 283 complaints lodged against lawyers dating back to 2000 which were pending before the Fiji Law Society for action.

Acting Chief Registrar Ana Rokomokoti has revealed to Fijivillage that she is now in the process of setting up a special unit to investigate the 283 cases to ascertain why these cases are still pending.

The complaints against lawyers include malpractice, misconduct, deliberate attempts to delay cases, trust fund account violations, incompetence, negligence, discrepancy with costs charged to clients, failure to follow client’s instructions and failure to communicate with clients.

Rokomokoti confirmed that there are some lawyers who have several complaints against them dating back to 2003 and the Special Unit will be tasked with investigating each case to ascertain if disciplinary action can be initiated against these legal practitioners.

The Office of the Chief Registrar also continues to receive five complaints per day on average against lawyers.

Meanwhile, Rokomokoti confirmed that as of this morning around 90 practicing certificates have been issued to lawyers allowing them to practice law in the country.

She confirmed that no application has been downright rejected as in some cases further information was sought before the license was issued.