Hay River (Oct 18/04) - A complaint by a Hay River man has resulted in a disciplinary hearing for a legal aid lawyer.

About a year ago, Edward Collinson complained to the Law Society of the NWT about Yellowknife lawyer Hugh Latimer.

"I'm hoping this sends a message to other lawyers," the 65-year-old said.

The Law Society has set a disciplinary hearing for Nov. 22 in Yellowknife.

A 13-page report by a member of the Law Society's disciplinary committee states Collinson has two main allegations: (1) that Latimer failed to keep his client reasonably informed and failed to answer reasonable requests for information; and (2) that the lawyer failed to prosecute Collinson's case in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner; and failed to provide prompt service and advise of delays in the case.

Latimer was appointed Collinson's legal aid lawyer in 2001. Collinson, the guardian of his teenage grandson, wanted child support from the boy's father.

After he complained to the Law Society, Legal Aid turned the case over to another lawyer.

"In two months, she had it straightened out," Collinson said, noting he now receives $600 a month in child support.

Latimer had no comment on the upcoming disciplinary hearing or his dealings with Collinson.

However, in the Law Society report, he is quoted as saying, "I am finding continually that trying to do civil matters for clients south of the (Great Slave) lake is a logistical battle."

Sarah Kay, president of the NWT Law Society, also declined comment.