Respondent posted client testimonial videos which were really actors performing a script, said LSO
The Law Society of Ontario has alleged that a North York lawyer received client leads through a network of 31 websites apparently belonging to separate putative firms, many of which have domain names suggesting that they are personal injury law firms.
The allegations, which have not been heard, adjudicated or proven before the tribunal, claim the lawyer engaged in possibly misleading, confusing or deceptive marketing practices. The website network described by the LSO’s notice of application was created and operated by an independent service provider who is not licensed as a lawyer or as a paralegal in Ontario.
The LSO also took issue with:
The LSO said that these claims were not only posted on the firm’s websites but also via Facebook, YouTube and web advertising. The allegations also include that text of client testimonials were false, and that videos of purported client testimonials actually involved actors performing a script.
The LSO filed a notice of application with the Law Society Tribunal Hearing Division for a determination of the lawyer committed professional misconduct or conduct unbecoming of a licensee.
