UPDATES SINCE ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE
- September 24, 2018: On review, the Benchers ordered that Vlug be suspended for four months, commencing no later than March 1, 2019.
- May 3, 2017: The BC Court of Appeal allowed both Vlug's appeal and a cross-appeal by the Law Society and ordered that the matter be remitted to the review board for a fresh review. In light of the Court of Appeal’s decision, the Law Society has agreed to a continuation of the stays ordered pending the initial review.
- January 20, 2016: On review, seven findings of professional misconduct were confirmed and findings of professional misconduct for three allegations were reversed. The suspension ordered by the panel was reduced to seven weeks and further orders were made. The suspension and further orders have been stayed pending the outcome of an appeal to the BC Court of Appeal or further order of the court.
- September 23, 2014: On September 22, 2014, Vlug was granted a stay of suspension pending a review.
Vancouver, September 9, 2014 – The Law Society has ordered that Vancouver lawyer Gary Russell Vlug be suspended for a period of six months for professional misconduct.
A hearing panel found that Vlug knowingly misrepresented facts while appearing before judges of the Supreme Court and of the Court of Appeal, misled the Law Society, attached documents to an affidavit after it had been sworn, and acted with incivility in dealing with fellow lawyers.
“The Law Society’s obligation to protect the public and the reputation of the legal profession is paramount,” the panel noted in its decision. “Neither the Law Society nor the public will tolerate lawyers who are dishonest, lie to the judges or habitually behave in a manner that is below the standard expected of lawyers.”
Vlug’s suspension is to begin on October 1, 2014. He is also required to pay costs in the amount of $20,000 on or before November 30, 2014.
The Law Society of British Columbia regulates the more than 11,000 practising lawyers in the province, setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct that ensure the public is well-served by a competent, honourable legal profession.
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For further information or to arrange an interview contact:
Ryan-Sang Lee
Communications Officer
604.443.5708
rlee@lsbc.org
Taylore Ashlie
Director, Communications and Knowledge Management
604.697.5845
tashlie@lsbc.org