'Sex Object' Ex-Client Sues His Ex-Lawyer, a Judge & Their Ex-Firm, as Jurist Steps Aside, for Now
Updated: After reporting yesterday the jaw-dropping details of an ex-client’s legal ethics complaint against his former divorce attorney and the lawyer’s wife, who is now a family court judge in Canada, CBC News reports that the man filed suit today against the lawyer, the judge and their former Winnipeg law firm.
Although computer specialist Alexander Chapman reportedly accepted a $25,000 settlement from Thompson Dorfman Sweatman approximately seven years ago and agreed to a confidentiality provision, he is now seeking $50 million from the firm, $10 million from Jack King and $7 million from Lori Douglas concerning his allegations that King harassed him in an effort to pressure him into having sex with Douglas. Both King and Douglas were partners of the firm at the time.
Chapman, 44, is alleging misfeasance in public office, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress in the litigation, the article reports, and, in addition, is asserting a harassment claim against King, 64, who admittedly showed Chapman nude photos of his wife, according to yesterday’s CBC article. King, however, says his wife knew nothing about this.
No statements of defense have yet been filed, the article notes, and the allegations in the suit have not been proven.
However, Lori Douglas, who serves as associate chief justice in the family division of the Manitoba Court of Queen’s Bench, decided today to step down temporarily from her judicial duties while the ethics case against her is being dealt with, reports the Montreal Gazette.
During this time, she will continue in her job in an administrative role, says Chief Justice Marc Monnin in a written statement.
Earlier ABAJournal.com coverage:
‘Sex Object’ Client Complains: My Lawyer Showed Me Nude Photos of His Wife, Now a Judge
Updated at 6:29 p.m. to include information from Montreal Gazette.
