June 01, 2023

Victoria, BC lawyer Donald Roy McLeod has been suspended for four months and ordered to pay costs for numerous instances of professional misconduct.

A Law Society Tribunal hearing panel found that McLeod committed multiple instances of professional misconduct in connection with a family law proceeding by failing to conduct himself with honour and integrity, and failing to display courtesy, respect, and civility in his dealings with the court and other members of the legal profession.

McLeod failed to act with candour and in good faith when he misstated facts in court relating to a pension division. The opposing party was unrepresented and McLeod sought to take advantage of the court’s confusion. He also failed to act honourably and with integrity when he instituted a recusal application when he knew or should have known that the application was unfounded and without merit.

McLeod also failed to discharge his professional obligations to opposing counsel. He failed to act with courtesy, civility, and in good faith when he instituted a contempt application against opposing counsel personally when he knew or should have known that the application was unfounded and without merit.

The panel imposed a four-month suspension. The panel emphasized the seriousness of McLeod’s misconduct, his many years of experience as a lawyer and his lengthy disciplinary record. The panel emphasized that his past professional misconduct makes clear that he consistently transgresses foundational professional obligations.

McLeod was also ordered to pay $25,303 in costs.

A summary of the full decision can be read here.