Touting allegations laid against law firm

The Mercury reports that the company employs almost 200 people and has hundreds of clients, including large financial institutions, corporate companies and individuals. It has denied the allegations and said the complaint - which resulted in an 'aggressive court application' - was launched by a disgruntled former employee. The conveyancing specialists have turned to legal heavyweights Webber Wentzel to defend them. It is understood that the allegations revolve on the firm's using unethical means to find new business between 1998 and 2003. It is unlikely that the matter - which was launched about a month ago but, after some glitches, was re-initiated this week - will be heard in court before next year. While the society refused to comment on the case, saying it was sub judice, Van Heerden said the woman at the centre of the storm had worked with the firm for 10 years. In her complaint, she says she was hired to tout new business for the firm, while Van Heerden alleges she was paid to retain existing clients. The woman was dismissed by the firm, Van Heerden said. Full report in The Mercury (subscription needed)