Salvatore Pazzano

The Law Society brought a motion for an interlocutory suspension or practice restriction against a paralegal facing multiple complaints of failing to serve clients, failing to account for funds, practising outside her permitted scope, and retaining an unlicensed person.

The paralegal conceded that an interlocutory order was appropriate but argued for practice restrictions rather than a suspension.

The Tribunal found reasonable grounds to believe there was a significant risk of harm to the public and the administration of justice.

Given the serious integrity concerns raised by the paralegal's conduct, including accepting funds without performing work and attempting to negotiate the withdrawal of a complaint, the Tribunal concluded that practice restrictions would be insufficient and ordered an interlocutory suspension.

The appellant paralegal's licence was revoked after a hearing panel found she misappropriated $6,600 from her trust account.

She appealed the revocation and brought a motion for a stay pending appeal.

The Appeal Division dismissed the motion, finding that while the appeal raised a novel but weak issue of law regarding the failure to replenish trust funds, the balance of convenience strongly favoured protecting the public.

The public interest in upholding confidence in the administration of justice and the disciplinary process outweighed the appellant's interests, particularly given her delay in perfecting the appeal.