Shocking Revelation: B.C. Lawyer’s Sexual Harassment Case Exposes the Power Imbalance in the Legal System

In a harrowing account that shines a light on the dark side of the legal profession, a Chilliwack mother, Amanda Rossi, has bravely shared her experience of being sexually harassed by family lawyer Marc Andre Eckardt during what was already a vulnerable time in her life. Rossi’s story is not just a personal testament but a reminder of the critical need for reform within legal support systems.

The Law Society of British Columbia took significant actions against Eckardt, who was previously disbarred following a sexual assault conviction in December 2023. However, Rossi's pursuit of justice didn’t end there. After bringing her concerns to the Law Society, she was able to prompt further proceedings. A tribunal recently ruled that Eckardt engaged in professional misconduct with Rossi in 2016, when she was a young mother of three struggling to regain custody of her children amidst an abusive relationship.

Reflecting on her ordeal, Rossi expressed how the tribunal's ruling was a watershed moment for her. “For the first time in my life, I felt heard," she said, tears welling in her eyes. Rossi's life took a downward spiral after enduring domestic abuse and losing her job, car, and even custody of her children to the Ministry of Children and Family Development. She recounted, “I was going through a lot... I had lost everything.”

In desperate need of legal representation, Rossi was assigned Eckardt through legal aid, thinking she was finally getting help. However, her initial meeting with the lawyer quickly turned alarming. Rossi described feeling immense dread, worsened by her history of trauma from childhood foster care and domestic violence.

Upon entering Eckardt's office, which felt eerily empty, she was unexpectedly embraced by the lawyer. “I froze on account of my past trauma,” she recalled, describing how Eckardt then made her uncomfortable by rubbing his feet against her leg and making inappropriate comments about her children. Despite being in a precarious position, Rossi felt she had no choice but to continue seeking his legal assistance, as she lacked the means to hire another lawyer.

Rossi’s horrific experience escalated to instances of public inappropriateness, including unwanted touching during court proceedings, which she ultimately reported to the tribunal. Eckardt’s dismissive attitude was evident during the hearing, as he did not contest Rossi’s claims and only offered an apology for making her uncomfortable. In stark contrast, he had previously failed to take responsibility for his actions during his sexual assault conviction.

Although Rossi did eventually obtain custody, child support, and protection orders against her ex-partner through Eckardt’s representation, the emotional and psychological impacts of her experience left lasting scars.

As a final blow, Rossi learned through news reports about Eckardt’s continued misconduct—his 2023 disbarment was due to a conviction for sexually assaulting another client. This revelation further highlights the systemic issues within the legal profession, especially regarding the treatment of victims like Rossi.

Rossi now advocates for greater transparency in the legal system, especially for low-income individuals seeking aid. She has expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of accessible information about reporting misconduct, echoing concerns about the power dynamics in legal client relationships.

“Where would I go to report his behavior? I had no education. I had no idea about what I was supposed to do," Rossi confided, stressing the need for change within the legal aid system that often serves the most vulnerable.

In response to Rossi's ordeal and similar cases, the Law Society of B.C. has launched a dedicated website to report sexual misconduct, harassment, or discrimination, emphasizing their commitment to handling such serious issues with the gravity they deserve.

Rossi's message to others who find themselves in a similar situation is clear: “You have to remember that lawyers take an oath. They are held to a higher standard than the rest of society." Her hope is that her story will empower others facing similar abuses of power to come forward and seek justice.

As we reflect on this troubling incident, it’s crucial to recognize that the fight for a secure and supportive legal environment is ongoing. The voices of survivors must be amplified, and systemic change is necessary to ensure no one else suffers in silence.