News from Manitoba: Lawyer suspended for punching trainee in groin

A Manitoba lawyer has been temporarily suspended from practicing law after admitting to punching a trainee lawyer in the groin area.

A July 9 decision by the Law Society of Manitoba found that David Hirsch Davis had pleaded guilty to official misconduct in connection with the incident. As a result, he was suspended from the practice of law for six months.

“The Panel has serious concerns about the Member’s conduct and considers that a suspension serving the objective of general deterrence and a specific deterrent is necessary,” the decision said.

According to the report, the incident occurred when he confirmed the filing of a document with the court over the phone.

“While the conversation was going on, Mr. Davis turned to the student and struck him once,” the decision states. “The blow struck the student in the groin area. The student doubled over in pain, screamed at Mr. Davis and left the office.”

Davis was charged with two counts of professional misconduct for the incident on January 10, 2023. According to the decision, Davis expressed remorse for the incident and apologized to the student.

One of the charges was dropped after the guilty plea.

In addition to the suspension, Davis is barred from applying to be a law student supervisor for two years, must continue to attend psychological counseling, and was fined $2,500.

“Students who wish to enter this profession must be given a clear message that behaviour such as that of the member will not be tolerated,” the decision states.

Davis was previously disciplined by the Bar in 2001 for sexual harassment of a client, and again in 2008 and 2009 for professional misconduct.

A date for the suspension to begin has not yet been set because Davis is a sole practitioner and needs time to settle his affairs and continue to serve his clients.

CTV News Winnipeg has asked Davis for a response.