UPDATES SINCE ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE
- November 7, 2014: Johnson's suspension will begin January 1, 2015 and will conclude January 30, 2015.
Vancouver, November 6, 2014 – The Law Society has suspended Kelowna lawyer Martin Drew Johnson for professional misconduct.
In March 2011, Johnson was involved in an altercation in a corridor at the Kelowna Courthouse with a police officer, who was also a potential witness. During the exchange, Johnson made an inappropriate remark toward the police officer. While the hearing panel believed that Johnson was provoked by the officer, it concluded that the provocation did not constitute a defence to the allegation against him.
In its decision, the panel said, “The profession must know that courtesy, civility, dignity and restraint should be the hallmarks of our profession and that lawyers must strive to achieve such. The profession should also know that a marked departure from such standards will be sanctioned.”
Johnson has been given a 30-day suspension, commencing on a date yet to be determined. He is also required to pay costs in the amount of $10,503.05.
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