The Manitoba Bar Association has issued a statement on behalf of lawyer Maria Mitousis.
The 38-year-old was seriously injured July 3 when a mail bomb exploded inside Petersen King law office on River Avenue, where she practiced family law.
Guido Amsel, 49, is accused of sending letter bombs to his ex-wife and two law firms. He had a brief court appearance Thursday and is due back in court July 16.
Mitousis was a former lawyer to Amsel's ex-wife.
Thursday, Manitoba Bar Association president Sofia Mirza posted a message to membership on its website:
"Maria Mitousis asked me, through her family, to share some information with her fellow MBA members.
This week has been an understandably trying week for her and her family.
We heard from her family on July 7, 2015 and they advised that she was in good spirits.
Maria wanted to publicly thank the medical team at Health Sciences Centre. They have been very devoted to Maria’s care and are very pleased with her progress.
She also wanted to express her appreciation for the outstanding work of the Winnipeg Police Service, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and those supporting them. Because of their dedication and tenacity, further catastrophes were prevented this past weekend, and for that she is most grateful.
Through her friends and family, Maria has received many thoughtful messages of support from the legal community and from the community at large. Although she can’t respond personally at this time, Maria is grateful for every single message – whether read or unread.
Finally, Maria wants everyone to know that she has not lost her passion for the law. She specifically wants her clients, and all those who provide family law services, to know that she and all of her colleagues in the family bar will go on doing the same great work that was done before this tragedy. The goal of providing just and important services to the families of Manitoba will remain. Maria specifically wanted family law practitioners to know that she doesn’t want her circumstances to discourage them from continuing their practices in this very relevant and challenging field.
Maria is a shining example of the strength of our profession in the face of adversity. Many lawyers throughout the country have shared stories with me over the last few days of how Maria has inspired them. The MBA has shared those stories and well wishes with Maria’s family.
With our knowledge comes great responsibility. As lawyers, we want to do our job to the best of our ability. Most lawyers have pursued practice because they want to help people, and enjoy doing so. The services we provide to the citizens of Manitoba are important, and are valued by our clients and the broader community. Be safe everyone.
Note: the MBA will be holding an information session on safety practices on August 26, 2015. Stay tuned for more details."
