Hearings begin for Kenora, Ont., lawyer accused of misconduct on residential school files

The Law Society of Upper Canada begins hearings Monday in Kenora, Ont., looking into allegations that lawyer Doug Keshen transferred thousands of dollars from residential school clients to himself.

The allegations relate to Doug Keshen's work between 2003 and 2012 when he was acting on behalf of residential school survivors.

The lawyer, who works for several First Nations in the Treaty 3 area of northwestern Ontario, has denied the allegations.

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The Law Society of Upper Canada received complaints that Keshen arranged high-interest loans for clients, secured against anticipated residential school settlement funds, which is prohibited by the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.  

There are also allegations that Keshen withdrew legal fees and disbursements from survivors' settlement funds without sending them a bill or setting out what the fees would be.

Nearly two dozen complainants allege Keshen failed to interview them about their claims and failed to communicate with them throughout the process.

The hearings will be held at a hotel in Kenora from June 27 to 30 and resume again in July, with further dates set in August and September.

The hearings are public but a motion will be heard on Monday requesting that complainants be allowed to give evidence in the absence of the public.