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A decision has been released concerning the matter of Law Society of Saskatchewan v Ronald Maurice.
The following allegations against the Member were proven:
(a) did, on or about March 16, 2009, prepare and enter into a retainer agreement with his client, Sakimay First Nation, that was not, in light of all pertinent circumstances, fair and reasonable;
(b) did, in connection with a retainer agreement executed on or about March 16, 2009, fail to be frank and candid with his client, Sakimay First Nation, as follows:
(i) he failed to highlight the fact that the subject matter of a March 16, 2009 retainer agreement that included a 3% bonus provision for the Member, was already included within the scope of an earlier retainer agreement which was more favourable to Sakimay First Nation in that it did not provide for such a bonus.
The following penalty was imposed by the Hearing Committee:
(a) Pursuant to Rule 1131(3)(a)(iv), Ron Maurice shall pay a fine in the amount of $15,000 to be paid on or before December 30, 2021. If the fine is not paid by the deadline date, Mr. Maurice shall be suspended from practice pursuant to Rule 1131(4);
(b) Pursuant to Rule 1131(3)(a)(vi), Ron Maurice shall pay the costs of the inquiry in the amount of $20,000. Such costs are to be paid on or before December 30, 2021. If the costs are not paid by the deadline date, the Law Society may file a certified copy of the Hearing Committee Order with the Court of Queen’s Bench and enforce the Order as if it were a Judgment of the Court pursuant to section 57(2) of The Legal Profession Act, 1990;
(c) Pursuant to Rule 1131(3)(a)(vii), Ron Maurice shall be reprimanded.