THUNDER BAY — The Law Society of Ontario has cancelled an oral hearing following its interim suspension from practice of Thunder Bay lawyer Christopher Watkins last October.
The law society changed this week's planned hearing in Thunder Bay to a written hearing after learning that Watkins wasn't going to contest its interlocutory suspension motion, and that his counsel wouldn't be calling witnesses or conduct a cross-examination.
Watkins remains under temporary suspension while a law society panel considers material it has received in writing.
A law society spokesperson says it could take a few months to determine the next step, which will be "an order and reasons for decision."
The law society has alleged that Watkins repeatedly failed to attend court for clients, failed to adequately communicate with clients, and failed to provide the law society with requested documents.
It further alleges that his behaviour caused "prejudice to his clients and to the public interest in the administration of justice."
In an October interview with Tbnewswatch, Watkins issued an apology to clients, saying he had been caught up in a series of unpredictable circumstances and events including serious health issues.
He said he hoped to resume his practice after getting well, "and hopefully move forward in a great career based on human rights pursuits."
