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Court Reporter
Charges for legal services will remain stagnant with the Law Society of Zimbabwe attributing the non-increase of fees to the economic constraints facing the public. The LSZ has retained the general tariff of 2011 which pegged bills for the most experienced lawyers at US$350 an hour, those with between two and four years experience at US$120 per hour, and lawyers with less than two years on the job at US$75 an hour.
In an interview yesterday, LSZ president Mr Lloyd Mhishi said lawyers should charge reasonable fees.
“So, it has not been felt that there is need to increase the general tariff since 2011 . . ..
“The tariff, however, takes into account the need for flexibility in case of complicated matters, but the charges should be within a certain range as governed by the society,” he said.
Mr Mhishi urged litigants charged more than the tariff to approach the LSZ with their complaints.
Meanwhile, a Harare lawyer recently delisted from the legal practitioners’ roll by the LSZ appeared in court last week on allegations of swindling a client of Messenger of Court and arbitrator’s fees.
Tendai Hangazha (39) of Braeside appeared before Harare magistrate Ms Rumbidzai Mugwagwa facing fraud and theft charges.
Hangazha is one of three lawyers de- listed from the legal practitioners’ roll last month following allegations of malpractice, abuse of trust funds and tarnishing the profession’s image.
He was remanded to February 21 on US$100 bail.
One complainant in the matter is Hanyani Investments. Prosecutor Ms Sharon Mashavira alleges that in September last, year the firm tasked Hangazha to institute proceedings to recover rentals and evict a tenant from their premises.
It is alleged that Hangazha misrepresented to his client that the Messenger of Court needed US$480 in eviction fees, which he was given and converted to his personal use.
In October, it is alleged that another client was involved in a legal battle with his employee, Cuthbert Magumise, and the matter was set for arbitration.
It is alleged that during arbitration Hangazha misrepresented to his client that US$600 was needed as payment for the arbitrator. He allegedly squandered the money.
It is further alleged that Hangazha was then engaged by the client to pay Magumise US$1 500 and again converted the money to his own use.
Online Reporter