Lawyers Sue Bernice Cassar’s Family Over Alleged €55,000 In Unpaid Legal Fees

Two lawyers who represented the family of murdered domestic violence victim Bernice Cassar are suing her relatives, claiming they are owed more than €55,000 in unpaid legal fees and expenses, Times of Malta reported.

Lawyers Marita Pace Dimech and Ann Marie Cutajar Galea filed the case before the Civil Court against Cassar’s parents and four siblings, saying they represented the family in several legal matters following Bernice’s murder, including negotiations with the government over compensation.

According to the court filing, the government initially offered the family €250,000 in compensation before the amount was increased to €1 million. The lawyers also claim the government increased the allocation for legal expenses linked to the compensation agreement from €50,000 to €100,000.

The two lawyers allege the family stopped using their services shortly before the compensation agreement was signed, despite previously being informed that their professional fees would amount to €50,000, excluding VAT, and that a separate success fee was also agreed.

They are now asking the court to order the family to pay €55,632.93, together with legal costs and interest. The filing also states they reserve the right to pursue separate legal proceedings relating to professional negligence claims or contractual obligations arising from the dispute.

Bernice Cassar was murdered by her estranged husband, Roderick Cassar, in November 2022 while driving to work at the Corradino Industrial Estate. He later admitted to the murder and is currently serving a 40-year prison sentence.

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Charlene Galea

Lovin Malta’s Content Manager, Charlene is a massive Swiftie obsessed with animals, scrolling and travelling. If she’s in the country for more than a day, you can find her reading on @onlyforthebooks