AYARNA AND ANOTHER vs. AGYEMANG AND OTHERS

The appellants, father and son, were involved in a legal dispute with the respondents, qualified lawyers who had represented the first appellant in a serious criminal trial. The first appellant was charged with subversion and detained in custody, requiring legal representation. The first appellant's wife instructed the first and second plaintiffs (respondents) to defend him. No agreed fee was fixed initially, but the plaintiffs performed satisfactorily. The second appellant, the son, was not charged but was involved in attempts to raise funds to pay legal fees, including attempts to sell property. A promissory note for ¢50,000 was signed by both appellants as security for fees, along with a letter authorizing sale of properties if the note was unpaid. The second appellant executed a power of attorney to the plaintiffs to dispose of his property to pay fees. The second appellant later complained to the Judicial Secretary alleging undue pressure and unfair conduct by the plaintiffs. The disciplinary committee did not hold an inquiry. The plaintiffs sued on the promissory note for fees, but the defendants resisted, alleging failure to comply with statutory requirements and duress/undue influence.