A significant legal dispute that lasted for nearly two years has concluded with the Fiji Court of Appeal approving a substantial settlement between Isireli Tuifua Fa, a respected barrister and solicitor from Suva, and two respondents from New Zealand, Shailendra Gopal Raju and Rosy Reddy. The legal saga originated from a 2017 Retainer Agreement, wherein Fa & Company claimed unpaid legal fees following the respondents’ decision to transfer their legal representation to another firm, Sherani & Company.
In December 2023, the High Court dismissed Fa’s request for injunctive relief, prompting him to appeal the decision. As the appeal proceeded, the Fiji Court, under Justice Filimone Jitoko, mandated that $1.381 million be deposited into the Judicial Department Trust Fund by the solicitors representing Rosy Reddy as a security against the disputed fees. This action was a pivotal moment in the ongoing negotiations, which ultimately led to the resolution of the case.
On June 24, 2025, Fa and the respondents reached an agreement, formalized in a Terms of Settlement. Under this arrangement, Reddy is obligated to pay Fa $1.13 million to resolve all claims connected to both the Court of Appeal proceedings and the associated High Court action. Additionally, the remaining sum of $251,000 held in the Court’s trust will be allocated to Sherani & Company, the respondents’ new solicitors.
Justice Chandana Prematilaka, serving as the Resident Justice of Appeal, finalized the settlement and included it in an official court order, which also instructed the Chief Registrar and Trust Fund Manager to distribute the funds accordingly, while dismissing Fa’s prior ex-parte summons.
This case underscores the complexities that can arise in professional legal practices and the importance of reaching amicable resolutions to disputes. Just like other recent legal settlements in Fiji, it reflects a broader trend towards negotiation and resolution outside of court, which can foster positive relationships between legal professionals and their clients in the future. The successful settlement conveys a hopeful message: despite prolonged disputes, pathways to resolution can emerge, allowing all parties to move forward constructively.
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