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Jail time
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Posted on Jun 27 2008
Recent news reports confirm that the two former Malite attorneys, including the illustrious Ray Yana, are still in jail for failing to disgorge themselves of more than $1million in exorbitant attorney fees. I am writing to point out that in the many news reports detailing this judicial fiasco, one important fact remains largely unreported: namely, that the two attorneys are in jail because of former Judge Juan T. Lizama.
It was former Judge Juan T. Lizama who approved more than $1 million in legal fees for attorney Ray Yana and attorney Atalig. It was former Judge Lizama who approved their fees without carefully examining the vague and ridiculous billings submitted to the court.
In a June 8, 2006, Saipan Tribune article (‘$1.1M attorneys’ fees in Malite case reasonable’), former Judge Lizama was quoted for saying: “Insinuations that the services of Mr. Atalig and Mr. Yana are not worth the value agreed upon as part of the settlement imply a lack of respect for the judiciary and for fellow members of the Commonwealth Bar.”
Lizama also said: “The value of these services is a matter between the attorney and the client. Strangers to the attorney’s fee agreement have no business speculating on this value.” Never mind that there are heirs and fiduciary duties involved in probate cases.
Later that month, on June 30, 2006, the Saipan Tribune reported that Lizama again defended his granting of $1.1 million in attorney fees from the Malite estate.
Question: If the two former Malite estate attorneys are now serving time in jail, why isn’t former Judge Lizama, who approved such exorbitant fees, also in jail?
Instead of serving time in jail for approving such absurd legal fees, former Judge Lizama is free and clear, and running for the new Washington Delegate position.
Question: In view of these compromising facts, does Mr. Lizama’s political candidacy imply a lack of respect for CNMI democracy and for the voters of the Commonwealth?”
Is this the man you want to vote for in November? Why not?
[I][B]Charles P. Reyes Jr.[/B] Gualo Rai, Saipan[/I]
