Proverb For A Paralegal

An applicant for a paralegal license demonstrated rehabilitation after a series of criminal incidents to warrant granting his application by the Tribunal Hearing Division of the Law Society of Upper Canada.

The crimes

On August 28, 2000, the applicant was 19 years old when he was charged with a series of offences arising from an undercover police officer’s purchase of $20 worth of cocaine from him and another individual on a street corner. As a result, the applicant was charged with trafficking cocaine, possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine, possession of cocaine and possession of proceeds of crime of $145. He was held for a bail hearing and released.

His explanation

At the time I was on summer break from school. There is no question that I was misguided at the time. I viewed the sale of drugs as being a way to make quick money so I could buy material items that my mother could not afford for me. I did not have my education yet, and was immature and short-sighted. I was influenced easily and made poor choices at the time.  It did take some time for me to gain insight into my behavior and poor life choices, but eventually I did realize I was embarking on a very negative path, and that I could in fact still change.

Then

On July 23, 2001, when he was 20 years old, and before the applicant was convicted on the trafficking charge, he was hanging around with several friends. An individual was blasting music and, according to the applicant, “…just acting like that’s their area.” The applicant took that individual’s gold chain and wallet and hit him once. There was no weapon and the victim was not injured. 

The applicant was charged with robbery. He was sentenced to 32 days, time served, given a six-month conditional sentence and one year on probation.

Six years later

In 2007, the applicant was 26 years old and attending York University. He was on the varsity football team. On March 30, 2007, he attended the football banquet. Outside the event, at the end of the evening, a teammate approached the applicant aggressively, angry with him for a perceived slight. The applicant was pushed by his teammate. The applicant hit the teammate with a beer bottle that he was holding.

The applicant described his reaction to his teammate’s aggression as “instinctive.”

The applicant was charged with assault with a weapon and aggravated assault.  Notwithstanding the charge of aggravated assault, the police synopsis of the incident does not describe any injuries to the teammate.

The applicant believed that he acted in self defence but ultimately took his counsel’s advice that the use of the beer bottle would not be considered a proportionate reaction. He pled guilty to simple assault and was given 18 months’ probation.

The 36-year-old applicant had turned his life around

Mr. Clarke’s conduct since 2010 has been exemplary. In addition to exhibiting good character over the past six years, Mr. Clark has demonstrated important qualities of insight, candour, intelligence, compassion, excellent work ethic and dedication to everything he undertakes. In our view, he is now of good character and should be licensed.

There is an African proverb that says: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

Mr. Clarke tried the former and he ended up in trouble and alone. Then he decided to try the latter. He made a decision to change his life, he pursued education and sought the help, guidance and mentorship of others. We are convinced that he will go far.

Here’s hoping. (Mike Frisch)