No mention of legal action against Mendes, de la Bastide

I am penning this letter with respect to an article which appeared in the Guardian newspapers on May 17. The article sug- gested, and certainly was understood to mean, that I was unhappy with my entire legal team and intended to sue not only Ms Alfonso, but Douglas Mendes SC and Simon de la Bastide.

I wish to make it abundantly clear that at no time did I state, imply or suggest that I was considering taking legal action against Messrs Mendes and de la Bastide. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. Messrs Mendes and de la Bastide have represented my interest with the utmost competence, integrity and diligence, going well beyond the call of duty.

In this regard, it is noteworthy that neither of the other two dailies got it wrong. Both newspapers accurately represented what I said—that in effect I considered Ms Alfonso, as instructing attorney, charged with the responsibility for the timely filing and service of court documents, to be WHOLLY (my emphasis) responsible for the failure to serve the relevant witness statements in time, resulting in the dismissal of my claim. In fact I recall going to pains to point out same to the reporters, one of whom was from the Guardian.

While I am of the view that it was not done deliberately or maliciously, this misreporting can do incalculable damage to the personal and professional reputation of two attorneys of whom I and members of the legal profession hold in the highest esteem and for whom I certainly have the greatest re- spect.

Karen Tesheira
Via e-mail