THUNDER BAY — The Law Society of Ontario has rejected a Thunder Bay lawyer's contention that illness was responsible for his failure to be honest with a number of his clients over a period of at least 10 years.
A three-member panel of the society found that Thomas Michael Harris committed professional misconduct in his dealings with 15 clients.
Harris, who changed his lawyer status to retired/not working in 2017, was administratively suspended in 2018.
The LSO will now hold a hearing to determine the appropriate penalty.
A summary of the panel's findings states that between 2007 and 2017, Harris failed in his duty to the 15 clients to be honest, candid and act with integrity.
"This included not commencing actions when retained to do so and lying to his clients about the status of the files, failing to return phone calls or meet with clients, and failing to take necessary steps in proceedings that were started," it states.
The LSO cites one case in which the lawyer failed to advise a client about a judgment awarded against him or the debt that he owed as a result.
Harris gave evidence that his behaviour resulted from personal issues he had experienced that affected his mental health.
However, the panel concluded that he failed to establish a connection between his disability and the adverse treatment of his clients.
