Disbarred Lawyer Blocked from Privy Council Appeal in Law License Revocation Case

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Disbarred lawyer and former political candidate Raymond Rolle has been denied conditional leave to challenge a decision revoking his right to practice law to the Privy Council.

The Court of Appeal ruled that it lacked the authority to grant leave and told Rolle to apply directly to the country’s highest court.

Rolle’s disbarment in 2023 stemmed from two separate complaints — one from RBC FINCO and the other from a private client, Michael Preuss — both involving uncompleted legal transactions and mishandling of funds.

Rolle acted as RBC’s lawyer for more than 30 mortgage transactions between 2008 and 2013, with a combined total of almost $7 million.

Preuss’ complaint concerned a property purchase on Rum Cay.

Mr Preuss accused Mr Rolle of accepting nearly $193,000 for a property purchase on Rum Cay but failing to complete the transaction.

The sale was never closed and the money wasn’t returned.

Rolle unsuccessfully contested the Englerston seat for the Free National Movement in 2007 and 2017.