Victoria Bruyn, a former lawyer based in Hamilton, has been officially barred from practising law following an investigation by the Law Society of Ontario that uncovered serious professional misconduct. The Law Society’s findings reveal that Bruyn failed to adequately represent some of her most vulnerable clients, many of whom were refugees relying on her for critical legal assistance.

According to reports first published by CBC Hamilton and confirmed by the Law Society, Bruyn neglected to complete essential refugee applications, missed court hearings, and failed to submit vital evidence on behalf of her clients. In some instances, she was found to have lied about these failures, further undermining trust and compromising the integrity of her legal representation.

The affected clients, described as “extremely vulnerable,” were left at risk due to Bruyn’s neglect, potentially jeopardizing their safety, legal status, and futures in Canada. The Law Society emphasized the profound responsibility lawyers hold to their clients, especially those facing precarious circumstances such as asylum seekers.

The disciplinary panel ruled that Bruyn’s actions were a significant breach of professional conduct and ethics, warranting suspension and ultimately revocation of her licence to practice law. This decision serves as a stark warning to the legal community about the consequences of neglecting client duties and the importance of accountability.

“This case highlights the critical need for ethical vigilance in legal practice, especially when working with individuals who depend on their lawyers for life-altering decisions,” said a Law Society spokesperson. “Protecting vulnerable clients is paramount.”

Bruyn’s licence suspension follows growing concerns about lawyers who fail to meet their obligations, particularly in immigration and refugee law, where clients often face severe consequences if legal processes are mishandled.

As the legal community absorbs this development, there is renewed discussion on improving oversight and support mechanisms to ensure vulnerable clients receive the competent representation they deserve.