Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president Lungisani Zulu has submitted to the court that the association’s decision to suspend two members, Arnold Kaluba and Mulenga Sholomo, was based on their violations of the association’s rules and principles of collective responsibility.
The two were suspended after they wrote to the Legal Practitioners Committee (LPC) on behalf of 399 newly qualified lawyers, seeking clarification on subscription fees.
Zulu stated that the two acted without the council’s authorization and disclosed confidential information, actions he said undermined the council’s integrity and the legal profession’s reputation.
“The actions of the applicants were contrary to the principle of collective responsibility. They acted against the council’s position and the LPC’s decision. The applicants remained unapologetic for their conduct, exhibiting defiance and advising the council to either adopt their letter, override it, or withdraw it entirely,” Zulu argued.
In his submission to the Lusaka High Court, Zulu requested the discharge of leave granted for judicial review, arguing that Kaluba and Sholomo should have sought arbitration as prescribed by LAZ’s rules.
He also noted that administrative channels had not been fully exhausted, as the matter was referred to the LPC, which holds the authority to clear the applicants and lift their suspensions.
Meanwhile, Kaluba and Sholomo sought a judicial review of their suspensions, arguing that the decision was illegal, procedurally flawed, and irrational. The court is yet to deliver its ruling on the matter.
