Ethiopia penalizes 85 lawyers for unethical activities

Jan 17, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Ethiopian Ministry of Justice said it has taken disciplinary measures against 85 lawyers who reportedly abused their licenses and engaged in unethical activities.

Lawyers professional service office head with the ministry, Firdu Gebretsadik, told the official ENA that the licenses of nine lawyers were revoked since 2000 after it was proved that they defended cases by submitting counterfeit evidences as well as creating inconvenience on their clients by failing to pursue the cases.

They were also found rendering legal consultancy services to rival party in a way that jeopardized the advantages of their clients, he said.

Firdu said the lawyers were also engaged in illicitly transferring the properties of clients to themselves taking advantage of their profession.

The head said the licenses of the remaining 76 lawyers were cancelled for failing to renew licenses as per the time set as well as for disciplinary problems.

According to Firdu since 2000 the ministry has been mandated to issue, monitor and revoke licenses of lawyers eligible to handle cases at federal courts.

Currently, he said, 786 lawyers who received authentic licenses through the ministry are operating, of which 522 lawyers are eligible to handle cases from First Instance to Supreme Court.

He said 261 lawyers have been licensed to handle cases only at First Instance Court, while the remaining have been permitted to work on defending the rights of children, women as well as people with disabilities.

Firdu said lawyers are licensed in light of their qualifications, experiences and segments of society they provide free services.

(ENA)