In a shocking turn of events, the Law Society has stripped a veteran Guelph lawyer, David Starr, of his license to practice law in Ontario, following a litany of serious allegations that encompass both professional misconduct and financial improprieties. Although Starr had recently retired prior to the tribunal's decision on October 8, the ramifications of his actions have sent ripples through the legal community and prompted widespread conversations about accountability within the profession.

The Law Society Tribunal found that Starr, who had maintained his law practice since 1981, was guilty of unprofessional behavior, including allegations of sexual harassment towards staff over a 16-year span, from 2005 to 2021. According to the tribunal, multiple instances of inappropriate verbal and physical conduct were substantiated, revealing a concerning pattern of behavior that has raised alarms about workplace safety within law firms.

In a statement, Starr expressed remorse, saying, “I regret any harm my actions caused to my former staff. I failed to set appropriate professional boundaries, especially during the challenges posed by the pandemic.” He acknowledged a financial error relating to one of his clients, which he claimed was an isolated incident rectified swiftly.

Darker details emerged regarding his dealings with a client, identified as EF, where Starr was implicated in enabling dishonest conduct. Among the findings, the tribunal unveiled troubling transactions where Starr provided a $25,000 trust cheque for a mortgage application despite EF only having $6,500 in trust funds. His misuse of client trust funds was further highlighted with discoveries of him misapplying $18,500, as well as concealing an additional $57,500 by moving cash through multiple accounts.

Starr allegedly proposed dubious schemes to “clean” the client’s finances, including fictitious employment to mask the source of funds totaling $106,000. Several complaints suggest his actions violated his legal ethical obligations, creating an environment of mistrust and misconduct. The monetary transactions with EF totaled $42,500 related to one matter, further compounding the legal and ethical breaches he committed.

Defending his actions, Starr claimed that EF was involved in a situation reminiscent of human trafficking, presenting her deposits as necessary for safeguarding her assets against potential exploitation. He argued that his role was preventative, suggesting that the funds he managed were instrumental in securing investments for her family’s future.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the vital importance of professional integrity and the severe consequences that arise when ethical lines are crossed. As the community grapples with the fallout, many are left questioning the systems in place to protect vulnerable individuals within legal frameworks. The legal profession is being closely watched for re-evaluations of protocols and practices that ensure such misconduct does not occur again.

Stay tuned as this story develops, shining a light on the urgent need for reform and accountability in legal practices across Ontario!