Under Rule 6.1-1, a lawyer is responsible for directly supervising non-lawyers assigned tasks and functions. This rule imputes a requirement for the non-lawyer to be competent, though there are no competency requirements for non-lawyers. Non-lawyers are to have their work reviewed by the lawyer frequently. There must be a close contact relationship, and the lawyer is responsible for the student.
Rule 6.2-2 indicates that a supervisory lawyer shall provide the student with meaningful training and exposure to the work and involvement therein that will provide the student with knowledge and experience of the practical aspects of the law. In essence, the supervising lawyer is responsible for the actions of students acting under their direction.
Rule 6.3-0 defines sexual harassment as an incident or series of incidents that involve unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. There are various types of behaviour that are enumerated as constituting sexual harassment, such as sexist jokes, use of sexually degrading words, derogatory or degrading remarks, sexually suggestive or obscene comments or gestures, unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions etc. Rule 6.3-3 directly prohibits lawyers from sexually harassing a colleague, staff member, client, or other person. There are no protections set out for lawyers against sexual harassment by others in the supervisory relationship.
Law Society of Ontario, Rules of Professional Conduct (Toronto: LSO, 2022) rule 6.
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