Evrol Mariette Peters JC:

Introduction

[1] This was an appeal ("this appeal") by the appellants against the decision of the learned Sessions Court Judge ("SCJ") on 15 January 2020, in allowing the respondent's claim. For ease of reference, the appellants and respondent will be referred to respectively as the defendants and plaintiff.

The Background Facts

[2] The plaintiff, a former partner of Messrs Ravi Aida & Partners, commenced this action ("this suit") at the Sessions Court against all four defendants, for outstanding legal fees in the sum of RM274,500.

[3] The 2nd and 3rd defendants who were corporate advisers to one Tan Bon Kiat and his company AD Travels Sdn Bhd, had appointed Messrs Ravi Aida & Partners to provide legal services for Tan Bon Kiat. The 3rd defendant is a former partner of the 2nd defendant. The 1st defendant is a company operating for the family members of the 3rd and 4th defendants, whilst the 4th defendant is the former finance manager of the 2nd defendant, and a shareholder and director of the 1st defendant.

[4] The 2nd and 3rd defendants had agreed to settle the legal fees owed by Tan Bon Kiat to Messrs Ravi Aida & Partners, and had obtained the money f