News Release
July 27, 2022

A hearing panel of the LSBC Tribunal has accepted a joint submission that lawyer Rowan MacKenzie Davison be suspended for four and a half months for professional misconduct, starting August 16, 2022.

The panel found Davison committed professional misconduct by sexually harassing employees of his law firm and creating a hostile work environment between 2018 and 2021. Davison admitted to making unwelcome remarks, engaging in unwanted conduct of a sexual nature and making racist or discriminatory remarks to several employees.

In imposing a four and a half month suspension, the hearing panel noted that Davison was in a position of power in relation to the complainants, his misconduct occurred in front of witnesses, the misconduct continued after regulatory proceedings had commenced, and his disciplinary record includes a conduct review for similar behaviour.

The panel also ordered two practice conditions on Davison once his suspension ends, including that he cannot practise unless he or the firm where he works has an acceptable sexual harassment and discriminatory behaviour policy and a suitable, external lawyer is retained to investigate any complaints against Davison related to sexual harassment or discrimination. Davison is also ordered to pay costs of $3,500 to the Law Society.

The decision on disciplinary action is available here.

 

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