John Ritchie Neil

Ritchie John Noel

V.

The Law Society of Upper Canada

Procedual History:

* Ritchie John Noel ("paralegal Applicant") applied to the LSUC (the Law Society of Upper Canada) for a P1 licence as a "grandfather" applicant in October of 2007.

* Ritchie John Noel included on this application that he had indeed been convicted of a criminal offence.

* Ritchie John Noel is 42 years of age and resides in western Ontario.

* While at the age of 22 years old, Mr Noel was in a altercation with a man which resulted in serious injury and the untimely death of this person.

* The paralegal applicant (Ritchie John Noel) was charged with manslaughter and released on bail. He was subsequently charged with failing to comply with his bail and was later convicted and sentenced to 36 months in prision.

* Mr. Noel was later released on parole and probation, and though had some up's and downs did eventually complete these orders and moved on with his life in a very productive manner, and has had no further dealings with the law in a negative way since the year 2000.

* Since the year 2000 Mr. Noel has not only moved on with his life but has also served members of the community in both aspects of the paralegal field and private boards.

* Many previous clients, fellow colleagues, community figures, and law enforcement workers have written letters of recommendation, pleading to Mr. Noel's upstanding rehabilitation and community presence, and are attesting to his great attributions in this field.

Issues:

* The sole issue is whether Mr. Noel the (paralegal applicant) has demonstrated that he is of upstanding character and good moral judgement to the panel.

Decision:

* Application for a P1 licence as a "grandfather applicant" has been granted after a good character hearing for paralegals convicted of criminal offences. The applicant Ritchie John Noel has satisfied the panel that he has indeed demonstrated good character.

Reason:

* The paralegal applicant admitted that he had indeed been convicted of a criminal offence and that he bears the burden of demonstrating that he has fulfilled all of the licensing requirements.

* A hearing was conducted in which the panel had concluded that Mr. Noel has demonstrated the licensing requirements and should be granted a P1 licence.

Ratio Decidendi:

* The panel's decision was made on multiple character references and great qualifications