INDEPENDENT Legal Services Commission (ILSC) Commission commissioner Dr Thomas Hickie today granted an interim practising law certificate for Suva lawyer Aseri Vakaloloma.
Mr Vakaloloma is facing four counts of allegations of professional misconduct and his case is being heard in the Independent Legal Services Commission (ILSC).
Mr Vakaloloma’s interim practicing law certificate had expired last Monday and he was granted an extension because he was summoned to appear in the Fiji Court of Appeal tomorrow and Friday.
During the hearing, Mr Vakaloloma said he appeared in court on March 2 without a proper practicing law certificate.
At that time, he said he was not aware of it.
He said he was only made aware when he was informed in court that he did not have any proper practicing law certificate, and he had to renew it.
Mr Vakaloloma said he had filed proper documents but had forgotten to lodge it with relevant authorities.
Dr Hickie also instructed Mr Vakaloloma not to handle any cases after May 31 as the interim practicing law certificate will no longer be valid.
Mr Vakaloloma is represented by Barbara Malimali while Tui Kilakila is representing the Legal Practitioners Unit (LPU).
Ms Malimali and Mr Kilakila have been given time to file written submissions based on the evidence that was presented during the hearing.
The case has been adjourned to June 4 for mention.
