Some lawyers in extradition case working without pay – AG

Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, SC, on Wednesday revealed that not all of the attorneys representing the state in the extradition cases involving the Mohameds are being paid, noting that arrangements for some members of the legal team, including Trinidad and Tobago Senior Counsel Douglas Mendes, have not yet been discussed.

The comments were made by Nandlall at the conclusion of a hearing before Chief Justice (ag) Navindra Singh in the High Court, where the US-indicted businessmen Azruddin and Nazar Mohamed are pursuing a judicial review and constitutional action, seeking to fight off their extradition to the United States.

The case has attracted national attention, not only because of the issues raised, but also due to the calibre of attorneys appearing before the court.

Mendes, a prominent Senior Counsel from Trinidad and Tobago, is appearing alongside Darshan Ramdhani, KC, and Attorney General Nandlall, SC, in the proceedings. When questions arose about the legal fees involved, particularly given the size and seniority of the legal team, Nandlall disclosed that some of the lawyers were offering their services without payment.

Pressed on whether Mendes was being paid, the Attorney General said that no such discussion has taken place to date. He indicated that the matter of fees is not uniform across the legal team and suggested that at least some attorneys are participating on a pro bono basis.

The Attorney General also pushed back against what he described as attempts to stir controversy around the case, cautioning against speculation and misinformation being circulated in the public domain. He noted that the focus should remain on the legal issues before the court, rather than conjecture about attorneys’ compensation.

The Mohamed case continues before the High Court, with arguments centred on constitutional and administrative law issues and will come up for ruling on February 02.

The substantive case – committal hearing – remains adjourned until February 05 and 06.