Suva Lawyer Sheik Hussein Shah appeared before the Independent Legal Services Commission today on four complaints of professional misconduct and unsatisfactory professional behaviour.
 
Shah denied all four complaints against him.

The Commission heard from Ifereimi Tikoivatukoula a former District Sales Manager with Colonial Life Insurance of Labasa, that he paid $2,000 to Shah on the 21st of November 2008, to fight his case after he was terminated from Colonial Life Insurance for allegedly turning up drunk at his Manager's house to pick up some money.

Tikoivatukoula said he discussed his case with Shah who then agreed to take on the case, adding that he would start straight away.

However he alleged that after payment was made to Shah, no legal proceedings were commenced for at least 3 months.

Tikoivatukoula said the first document filed in the Labasa High Court was in February 2009.

He also claimed that it was difficult getting in touch with Shah, as he had left for Suva without informing him, and only managed to contact Shah towards the middle of the year.

However Shah's lawyer Gavin O'Driscoll questioned Tikoivatukoula if he had signed an instruction sheet, stating that he would pay $5,000 and 20% if the claim for compensation is awarded, to which Tikoivatukoula told the Commission that he did, however prior to the signing of the agreement they had discussed verbally with Shah that the $2,000 would be for the filing of the writ of summons, affidavit and document of support.

The hearing continues this afternoon.