TAIPEI - THE lawyer for the wife of former Taiwan president Chen Shui-bian said on Tuesday he had quit, just one week before the ex-first lady is due to appear in court as her corruption trial continues.

Lawyer Lee Sheng-hsiung said his decision was prompted by the guilty pleas entered by Wu Shu-chen's son and daughter-in-law in a massive graft case in which the former president is also implicated.

'I am no longer suitable to work (as her lawyer),' Mr Lee said in a statement, citing a conflict of interest and saying he did not want to be involved in any potential family disputes stemming from the high-profile case.

Mr Lee was the third lawyer to quit Wu's legal team. She has already recruited two new lawyers ahead of her court appearance set for next Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Chen's office.

Wu became the first Taiwanese first lady to face criminal proceedings when she was indicted on corruption charges in 2006 for allegedly embezzling NT$14.8 million (S$665,700) in public funds.

Wu's son, daughter-in-law and brother last month pleaded guilty to money laundering charges, providing the latest twist in a case that has gripped the island for months.

Chen, who left office in May after eight years, has been charged with embezzlement, taking bribes, money laundering, influence peddling and extortion. He faces life in prison if convicted.

Some legal experts have expressed concerns over the handling of Chen's case, including the court's decision to detain him and to switch the judge presiding over his trial.

Chen, whose pro-independence policies in office often irked Beijing, maintains that he is innocent and accuses the current China-friendly government of his successor, President Ma Ying-jeou, of leading a witch hunt.

His wheelchair-bound wife collapsed at the start of her trial in late 2006 and has since been excused from all court sessions on health grounds. Her son has said she will be in court next week. -- AFP