Sex, wealth, power and the Law: George Hunter

Update report: George Hunter pleaded guilty to professional misconduct and was suspended for a few months. He is the first Treasurer to be suspended. His fall from grace was due to a conflict of interest and a sexual relationship with a client. He was having affairs with several women.

He is not the first nor will he be the last man to fall over sex allegations. Most men have difficulty drawing the line and cannot easily avoid sexual temptation. In his case much more was expected as he was the leader of all Ontario Lawyers and was expected to set an example.

The New Treasurer Gavin McKenzie, is a well respected leader who is now the "Boss"of Ontario lawyers. He has written the book on Lawyers' ethics. He is widely respected and loved by most members of the legal profession including members of the public. He has the credibility and respect to get lawyers back on track. He is a leading light in the legal community.

Sex, wealth and power do not always mix well. The former treasurer of the Law Society of Upper Canada, George Hunter, a very powerful and wealthy establishment lawyer, is facing a misconduct hearing over an alleged 2 1/2 year sexual affair with a client.

It is alleged that his philandering was unprofessional and impugned the integrity of the legal profession. Moreover, he allegedly put an emotionally impaired lover, who was involved in a divorce case, in precarious emotional state and jeopardized the safety and welfare of his lover's daughter. The girl was injured in the care of her father while Mr. Hunter was acting for and having sex with the mother.

Mr. Hunter did not take steps to protect the girl.  Mr. Hunter allegedly also carried on several other affairs while he was sexually involved with his client-identified as JH. He also attempted to have JH sign an acknowledgement for his partners that he had done nothing wrong. JH was emotionally vulnerable yet he continued to have sex with her and did not advise her to get independent legal advice. JH felt used and abused as Mr. Hunter continued to have affairs with other women. He confessed to JH and she felt betrayed as she was involved in an emotional draining divorce proceeding and relied on Mr. Hunter.  Mr. Hunter resigned as Treasurer last December 7, 2005 citing "family and personal reasons".

Mr. Hunter is married and a father of two kids.  Mr. Hunter was called to the bar in 1974 and was a partner at the national prestiges firm of Borden Ladner Gervais.

As Treasurer and a partner of a large national firm he was powerful, well connected and wealthy. He represents the legal establishment.