N.S. lawyer suspended after courtroom confrontation with ex-colleagues, sheriff’s deputies

The Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society has taken action against a Pictou County lawyer, Donn Fraser, following a courtroom altercation with his former law partners earlier this year. The society announced an indefinite suspension of Fraser on Thursday, marking the latest development in an ongoing legal dispute.

The suspension comes after an incident in February where Fraser poured water on his former colleagues, Joel Sellers and Mary Jane Saunders, during a court proceeding at Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Pictou. The altercation escalated, leading to sheriffs wrestling Fraser to the floor and ultimately arresting him. Fraser appealed the initial suspension issued by the complaints investigation committee, but his appeal was dismissed by the Nova Scotia Appeal Court.

In a statement to CBC News, Fraser expressed disappointment with the Appeal Court’s decision and disputed the characterization of the altercation. He claimed that he did not physically resist the sheriffs and was subjected to inappropriate and abusive conduct by them.

Fraser has since pleaded guilty to six charges, including assault and obstructing a public officer, related to the February incident. He also entered guilty pleas to charges of mischief, resisting, and intimidation of a justice participant stemming from incidents in August and July. As a result, he was given a conditional discharge and placed on 18 months probation.

This is not the first time Fraser has faced disciplinary action from the barristers’ society. In 2021, his ability to practice law was restricted amid escalating tensions with his former partners. The society’s complaints investigation committee is currently looking into additional complaints against Fraser regarding his behavior towards his former colleagues.

In response to the ongoing investigations, Fraser has been required to make all court appearances via video conference when representing himself and communicate with opposing counsel in writing. Despite these challenges, Fraser maintains that his professional services to his clients over his 20-year legal career have not been affected.

Overall, the suspension of Donn Fraser by the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society underscores the importance of upholding professional conduct within the legal profession and addressing any conflicts or misconduct that may arise.