Immigration lawyer David Matas reprimanded by Law Society of Manitoba

Renowned lawyer David Matas receives a reprimand from the Law Society for violating a commitment to the Law Society. Mr. Matas allegedly gave advice to clients and appeared in court even though he had agreed not to do so in the absence of a qualified and responsible lawyer.

The sentence which was handed down by the disciplinary council of the Bar Society results from a joint suggestion of the representative of the Bar and the defendant.

Attorney David Matas was sentenced to a $1,500 reprimand to partially reimburse the procedural and investigative costs incurred by the Bar Society.

During a hearing held by videoconference on April 11, the representative of the Law Society informed the council that David Matas would plead guilty to the charge of breach of an undertaking to the Law Society against him.

She also filed an agreed statement of facts which was not read, at the request of the defense. The details of the accusation are therefore not fully known.

Immigration lawyer Jean René-Dominique Kwilu emphasizes that David Matas is a respected lawyer who has more than 50 years at the Bar, but that the profession is self-regulated and that violations of the regulations can lead to disciplinary measures.

Mr. Matas had a commitment to the Bar Society. It’s something serioussays Jean René-Dominique Kwilu.

There was no prejudice, but if a lawyer commits to doing something and doesn’t follow through, there are punishment mechanisms in place.he explains.

A procedure to protect the public

Jean René-Dominique Kwilu specifies that this type of procedure aims to maintain public confidence.

It is the public that we are protecting, says the lawyer. They are the ones we serve. They must be able to have confidence in justice and the profession. See that, if there are any blunders, it is taken seriously and that disciplinary measures are taken.

Jean René-Dominique Kwilu indicates that disciplinary measures are common within the profession. Every day there are complaints to the Bar Society. There are investigations; others which do not succeed because it is not supported or reasonable, all to ensure that the public is protectedconcludes the lawyer.

With information from Richard Sabeh