THUNDER BAY - The Law Society of Ontario is holding a hearing to determine whether or not to suspend or restrict the law license of a prominent Thunder Bay lawyer.
A notice of motion for interlocutory suspension or restriction of Christopher Watkins' law license was filed by the Law Society Tribunal Hearing Division on Oct. 3.
The motion states that “there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is a significant risk of harm to members of the public, or to the public interest in the administration of justice, if the order is not made and that making the order is likely to reduce the risk.”
The grounds for the motion allege that Watkins has repeatedly failed to attend court for his clients, has failed to adequately communicate with his clients, and that his behaviour is “causing prejudice to his clients and to the public interest in the administration of justice.”
Additional grounds include a failure on Watkins' part to provide the Law Society of Ontario with documents requested as part of its investigation.
A hearing got underway in Toronto Wednesday morning and will rely on two affidavits, as well as other additional evidence that may be provided by counsel.
According to a spokesperson with the Law Society of Ontario, the hearing has been adjourned until a later date and an interim interlocutory suspension was ordered.
Watkins graduated from the University of Manitoba Law School in 1993. He has participated in several class action lawsuits, including a lawsuit against the RCMP for allegations of harassment and discrimination, which was settled in 2011.
In 2001, Watkins was found guilty of professional misconduct for acting in conflict of interest, failing to serve two clients, breaching duty to three clients, and failing to fulfil an undertaking given to a fellow solicitor. As a result, his license was suspended for 15 days.
The order was appealed by Watkins but as of 2003, the appeal was deemed abandoned.
