Notice of Upcoming Hearings

Disciplinary Hearings

As the regulatory body of lawyers in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador is authorized under the Law Society Act, 1999 to file complaints against members.

A complaint is authorized by the Complaints Authorization Committee when the Committee is of the opinion that there are reasonable grounds to believe a lawyer has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction.  A complaint is an unproven allegation until an adjudication tribunal makes a determination on its validity. At any hearing a settlement may be proposed.

Law Society disciplinary hearings generally take place at the Law Society office at 196-198 Water Street, St. John’s, and are open to the public. However, the adjudication tribunal has the right to make certain parts of the hearings, or even the entirety of a hearing, private at their discretion.

Notice of the Hearing Date

General Nature of the Charges:

In accordance with s. 45(3) of the Law Society Act, 1999, (the “Act”) the Complaints Authorization Committee (the “Committee”) has determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Ronald Cole, QC (the “Respondent”) has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction and, in accordance with s. 45(3)(b) of the Act, the Committee has instructed the Vice-President to file a Complaint against the Respondent on the basis that the Respondent is guilty of conduct deserving of sanction in that he:

Code of Professional Conduct

1. ) Failed to take reasonable steps to maintain a normal lawyer and client relationship in circumstances where his client’s ability to make decisions was impaired in contravention of s. 3.2-9 and related commentaries thereto.

Notice of the Hearing Date

General Nature of the Charges:

In accordance with s. 45(3) of the Law Society Act, 1999, (the “Act”) the Complaints Authorization Committee (the “Committee”) has determined that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Susan LeDrew, QC (the “Respondent”) has engaged in conduct deserving of sanction and, in accordance with s. 45(3)(b) of the Act, the Committee has instructed the Vice-President to file the within Complaint against the Respondent on the basis that the Respondent is guilty of conduct deserving of sanction in that she:

Law Society Rules:

1. ) Failed to comply with Law Society rule 5.02 by failing to prepare monthly trust reconciliations.
2. ) Failed to comply with Law Society rule 5.04 (now rule 5.05) by:
   1. ) inappropriately withdrawing money from her trust account; and
   2. ) failing to properly document transfers, from her trust account.
3. ) Failed to comply with Law Society rule 5.05 (now rule 5.06) by failing to report trust shortfalls to the Law Society.

Code of Professional Conduct:

1. ) Failed to discharge all responsibilities to her clients and other members of the profession honourably and with integrity in contravention of s. 2.1 of the Code of Professional Conduct and related commentaries thereto.