A former lawyer convicted of fraud worked eight years as a part-time instructor at Algoma University. His fight to win back his law licence propelled his past into the spotlight
EDITOR'S NOTE: A version of this article originally appeared on SooToday on Nov. 8. It is being republished here for readers who may have missed it.
Practicing law in Ontario requires more than simply acquiring certifications or acing tests; one must also prove themselves to be of good moral character. McLellan lost the confidence of the Law Society when it stripped his licence in 2010, and he has so far been unsuccessful in lobbying to have it reinstated.
But Sault Ste. Marie lawyer Jeffrey Broadbent says the university was well-aware of McLellan’s history because he and others raised alarm bells. In fact, Broadbent resigned in 2014 as an adjunct professor in the school’s Law and Justice program after learning that his colleague was a convicted criminal and disbarred lawyer.
While practicing in the 1980s, McLellan appeared to be a pillar of the community, serving for a time as councillor with the Town of Innisfil, chairing its General Government and Finance committee. He also once served as director of the Innisfil Chamber of Commerce and president of the Alcona Business Association, among a long list of community, civic and volunteer activities on his C.V.
McLellan eventually produced a document showing a mortgage had been registered in Homark’s name on Ms. Laurin’s property. That document was found to be a forgery and McLellan was arrested. McLellan admitted to six particulars of misconduct during a conduct hearing held in 2009, including misappropriation of over $420,000 from four different trust funds, had misled the Law Society, as well as failing to ensure clients who invested $20,000 in a company McLellan had a substantial interest in were fully protected or obtained independent legal representation.
When McLellan was hired by Algoma as a sabbatical replacement in 2013, he met Jackson and the two became close friends, according to a letter of support by the latter. Jackson knew about McLellan’s challenges, including his incarceration, so there were no surprises when he read the agreed statement of facts regarding McLellan’s disbarment.
"We conclude that has not met the burden of satisfying us on the balance of probabilities that he is presently of good character," the ruling reads. "The Applicant continues to evince a pattern of choosing self-interest over public interest in a profession dedicated to the public interest.
"I have not practiced law since 2006, when I was in a very difficult period suffering with mental illness which significantly affected my judgment. I made poor and shameful decisions for which I am solely responsible," McLellan said. "Over the past fifteen years I have dedicated myself to sustaining good mental health and making worthwhile contributions to my students, criminal justice reform and the public good.
"From 2013 to 2021 McLennan was a part-time lecturer at Algoma University, but no longer has any association or involvement with the school," said Erin Morrison, Algoma U's director of Strategic Marketing and Communications. "Ontario's Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act prevents us from sharing further details."
”In my email to the administration, I resigned from accepting any further teaching assignments as I would not be associated with this individual,” Broadbent said of McLellan. ”My concerns were widely shared with faculty and others by me but Mr. McLellan continued to teach and so I discontinued my association with the university.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NOSM University and unionized workers ratify their new contractNew three year deal is in effect from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026 and includes improvements to wages and benefits
Read more »
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Win Hardy Cup with Last-Second TouchdownVANCOUVER — Wide receiver Sam Davenport hauled in a last-second touchdown as the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds staged a late comeback to beat the University of Alberta 28-27 and win the Hardy Cup.
Read more »
University of British Columbia Thunderbirds Win Hardy Cup with Last-Second TouchdownVANCOUVER — Wide receiver Sam Davenport hauled in a last-second touchdown as the University of British Columbia Thunderbirds staged a late comeback to beat the University of Alberta 28-27 and win the Hardy Cup.
Read more »
NOSM University and unionized workers ratify new contractNew three year deal is in effect from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026 and includes improvements to wages and benefits
Read more »
Long-jailed former Philippine senator who fought brutal drug crackdown is granted bailMANILA, Philippines (AP) — A Philippine court on Monday ordered the release on bail of a former senator jailed more than six years ago on drug charges she said were fabricated to muzzle her investigation of then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal cra
Read more »
Long-jailed former Philippine senator who fought brutal drug crackdown is granted bailMANILA, Philippines (AP) — A Philippine court on Monday ordered the release on bail of a former senator jailed more than six years ago on drug charges she said were fabricated to muzzle her investigation of then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s brutal cra
Read more »