In a case that deals with the bounds of “entrepreneurial lawyering” and whether it exceeds the “proper limits of ethical rules,” Quebec Superior Court disqualified a Montreal lawyer as the representative’s counsel in a proposed class action suit seeking compensatory and punitive damages for individuals who bought or sold cryptocurrencies from Shakepay inc.
The proposed class action in essence alleges that Shakepay charged hidden commissions, contravening the Consumer Protection Act, Civil Code of Quebec, and the Competition Act.
Justice Lukasz Granosik said that disqualifying a lawyer requires a “great deal of circumspection.” But a combination of “minor transgressions” occurred in this case crossed the line, held Justice Granosik in Abicidan c. Shakepay inc., 2024 QCCS 11.