Law Society says Robin Camp can return to practising law

[Ryan Strome]

Absolutely disgraceful.

 

 

Disgraced “knees together” judge Robin Camp may not be suitable for the bench, but he’s qualified to practise law, the province’s professional body overseeing lawyers says.

In a written decision released Wednesday, a Law Society of Alberta committee said the former judge can be reinstated to act as a lawyer in the province.

His lawyer, Alain Hepner, said Camp has been waiting for a decision for some time.

“He’s delighted with the results, it’s been a long time coming. It’s been quite a road,” Hepner said of the ruling that came months after Camp applied for reinstatement for membership in the Law Society.

 

A three-member committee heard evidence and oral submissions last November, followed by written arguments earlier this year.

Camp resigned as a federal court judge following a Canadian Judicial Council committee ruling recommending his removal from the bench.

That decision was based on comments Camp made during the sexual-assault trial of Alexander Wagar.

The then-provincial court judge made inappropriate statements to the complainant, including asking why she couldn’t just keep her knees together to prevent having sex.

On his retrial, Wagar was acquitted a second time.

 

In its decision, the Law Society committee found Camp’s comments from the bench and his subsequent efforts at rehabilitation would not bring the legal profession into disrepute if he were reinstated.

“The committee does not condone Mr. Camp’s conduct in the Wagar trial . . . far from it,” the tribunal said.

 

“The committee also does not condone conduct among lawyers which demonstrates — or perpetuates — inequality or gender bias, or treats marginalized or vulnerable members of society with disrespect.

“All of those were issues before the CJC when considering the conduct of Mr. Camp — as a judge — and the effect of his conduct as such on the reputation of the judiciary and the administration of justice at large,” it said.

“Parties before the court do not choose their judge. Judges must be impartial and unbiased in adjudicating upon the rights of the parties before them and deciding the outcome of their case.

“In contrast, parties typically have the ability to choose their own counsel. Moreover, the lawyer’s role is to advocate his or her client’s position to the fullest extent of the law and to advance his or her best interests.”

That said, the committee ruled, Camp’s rehabilitative efforts were necessary for him to be eligible for reinstatement.

It ruled it could not “ignore the importance of rehabilitation in the present case notwithstanding differences in the roles of judges and lawyers.”

Hepner said there are still steps Camp must go through before resuming his practice in the area of construction law.

“He can’t hang up his shingle tomorrow,” Hepner said.

 

http://calgarysun.com/news/crime/law-society-says-robin-camp-can-return-to-practicing-law

 

 

[Ghostsof1915]

'berta.

 

 

[Ryan Strome]

8 minutes ago, Ghostsof1915 said:

'berta.

 

 

Pretty serious news. I don't know if this made news outside Alberta but it was pretty disturbing when it happened. "Berta" comments are just silly.

[NewbieCanuckFan]

What was the line Shakespeare about lawyers again?

 

And no, it wasn't this line:

 

[Ryan Strome]

2 minutes ago, NewbieCanuckFan said:

What was the line Shakespeare about lawyers again?

 

And no, it wasn't this line:

 

Man he was a judge.

[Art Vandelay]

As long as he can’t be a sitting judge; and is paid directly by his client (meaning, he can’t be appointed to someone... He must be sought out by clients), I agree with the decision. 

 

I don’t think “legally” taking away someone’s career (and education) for statements they made, is very fair. If he has genuinely gone through rehabilitation, he deserves another chance.

 

Having said that: Terrible human being; and I hope no one hires him.

[Ryan Strome]

3 minutes ago, Art Vandelay said:

As long as he can’t be a sitting judge; and is paid directly by his client (meaning, he can’t be appointed to someone... He must be sought out by clients), I agree with the decision. 

 

I don’t think “legally” taking away someone’s career (and education) for statements they made, is very fair. If he has genuinely gone through rehabilitation, he deserves another chance.

 

Having said that: Terrible human being; and I hope no one hires him.

You do make a good point. I do agree he should never be a judge or an appointed attorney.

[kingofsurrey]

Should have lost his license to practise law. Clearly he has mental problems .....

[Gnarcore]

What a $&!#ty province....

[luckylager]

Bet he gets a job with Kinder Morgan.

 

"Why couldn't you just keep your knees together, BC? It takes two to lay pipe"

 

 

 

[Toews]

1 hour ago, Art Vandelay said:

As long as he can’t be a sitting judge; and is paid directly by his client (meaning, he can’t be appointed to someone... He must be sought out by clients), I agree with the decision. 

 

I don’t think “legally” taking away someone’s career (and education) for statements they made, is very fair. If he has genuinely gone through rehabilitation, he deserves another chance.

 

Having said that: Terrible human being; and I hope no one hires him.

Agreed. If someone chooses to hire him that's their business but you shouldn't lose your license to practice law because you are a terrible human being. 

[Fateless]

Speaking as a lawyer, I think that this is the correct decision, assuming his rehabilitation was genuine.

 

There are many lawyers out there who have said far worse things than what Robin Camp said in front of a judge, and they have kept their licenses and rarely even received a warning. Removing him from the bench was the correct decision, and reinstating him as a lawyer is as well.