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Guam lawyer calls Mitchell ‘irrational’
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Posted on Nov 22 2000
A Guam-based attorney has called suspended lawyer Theodore R. Mitchell irrational, abusive and does not serve the interest of his clients.
In his affidavit submitted before the Supreme Court, attorney David J. Luan denied the allegations of Mr. Mitchell that he attempted to influence the panel of justices conducting the suspension proceedings on the beleaguered attorney before the high court.
In fact, Mr. Mitchell called him up at his residence and tried to borrow money from him because he was already having difficulty financing the case. “I truly feel sorry for Mitchell for his obviously a very sick man. It is my understanding that Mitchell has a family and I hope for their sake that he seek counseling or other professional help to deal with his temper and irrationality,” Mr. Lujan said.
Similarly, the lawyers of Saipan Lau Lau Development, Inc., Shimizu Corp. and Tokio Marine & Fire Insurance Co. have maintained that they have the right to participate in the suspension proceedings against Mr. Mitchell.
According to Mair, Mair, Spade & Thompson, suspended lawyer Mitchell has been informed in advance that their firm will participate in the proceedings due to their interest in the $800,000 which Mr. Mitchell withdrew from Union Bank on July 3, 2000.
Mr. Mitchell has been ordered by the Supreme Court to deposit the funds with the Court and or make an accounting for any missing funds.
The Mair firm debunked claims by Mr. Mitchell of conflict of interest with Justice Pro Tem Pedro Atalig, one of the three justices handling the suspension case.
Justice Atalig was formerly counsel for Diego Mendiola, special administrator in the Hillblom probate case, while the Mair firm was the counsel for Joe Lifoifoi, trustee for the liquidating trust.
The conflict, Mitchell claimed, stemmed from the fact that the Mair firm reviews and approves Justice Atalig’s billings before they are paid. Such allegations were strongly denied by the Mair firm.
