CONVICTED drug smuggler Schapelle Corby is expected to testify against the solicitor who fought to keep her out of jail, a court heard yesterday.
The Corbys allege Tampoe breached solicitor-client confidentiality during a TV interview in June 2005.
Special section: The Corby saga
The pair claim any conversations or legal instructions given to the Gold Coast-based Tampoe were privileged and that he was professionally bound to not divulge any information to anyone, including the media.
Tampoe is defending the charge on the grounds he was hired by Schapelle's "white knight" financial benefactor Ron Bakir, and as such, privilege should be only afforded to him.
Legal Services Commission barrister Ben McMillan said it was accepted Mr Bakir had hired Tampoe, but he maintained privilege should be extended to Schapelle and Mercedes.
"(The commission) accepts Mr Bakir paid the bills," he said.
Gallery: Schapelle Corby's life
But, he said clearly the sisters were also his client. The court was told Schapelle, in an affidavit, said: "I never believed or thought Mr Tampoe was not my lawyer."
Solicitor Bree Connell, for Tampoe, indicated Schapelle would be required to testify by telephone hook-up and Mercedes would give her evidence in person at Brisbane. Mr McMillan said Australian consular officials would have to negotiate to arrange for Schapelle's testimony.
