Lawyer accepts law societys suspension

CHARLOTTETOWN - O'Leary lawyer Regena Kaye Russell says the decision of the council of the law society to suspend both her and her law corporation from practising was not unexpected.
"I actually approached the law society about 10 days ago and asked them to intervene," Russell said Friday.
The suspension, she said, has to do with financial difficulties she and her private practice have experienced.
"The law society, they're doing their job. They have to step in," she acknowledged. "I think the law society gets nervous when lawyers are not thriving in their offices."
She said it's all about protecting the public's interest. "I don't harbour any ill feelings about what the law society did."
The suspension is in place at least until the Law Society of Prince Edward Island holds a hearing. The hearing could result in admonishment, recommendations, sanctions, restrictions or even disbarment, she noted.
Russell said she first informed the law society of her financial situation last summer, and was hoping to bring things around. She attempted to extend her practice to Summerside and Charlottetown, but admitted that was "too little, too late."
"I ran out of money," she said; "it's been a real struggle for two years."
Russell said her practice consisted of a lot of family law, some estate work and property work, "but the volume wasn't there."
She said she lost 40 per cent of her revenue when legislation changed limiting personal injury claims in motor-vehicle accidents.
"It's not easy being in business in West Prince, let me tell you. I came across it all the time. I continually have to represent clients who do not have money but do have legal problems."
The nature of the business has also changed, she said, suggesting the day of the private practitioner is nearing an end.
Russell decided to explain her situation as a means of informing her clients.
"I would rather my clients have an understanding of what's happening and where their files are and what the process is."
She is helping a law society-appointed receiver, John Hennessey, redirect active files to lawyers skilled in the area of law to which the files pertain.
Russell is currently staying in Charlottetown where she is "putting feelers out for employment so that I can at least feed myself until the law society makes a decision."