The Canadian Bar Association is warning family lawyers across the country to be vigilant. Winnipeg family lawyer Maria Mitousis was severely injured by an explosive device last week. The association is handing out booklets that outline what to do if lawyers receive a suspicious package and how to recognize and handle disruptive behavior.
"So, it’s safety coming to and from meetings, from the courthouses, within our offices in terms of interacting with individuals in stages of distress,” said Canadian Bar Association Family Law Chair Patricia Hebert.
Guido Amsel is charged in the attack. Mitousis represented his ex-wife.
Criminal lawyers in Winnipeg are shying away from representing Amsel. He is still without one and could be for some time, because the victim is a lawyer and Jay Prober calls this an attack on the legal community.
The veteran criminal lawyer says most of his colleagues likely won't touch this case. Prober said an email has circulated asking if anyone will represent Amsel.
"He may even get one in Manitoba. I don't know. I think it would be in his best interests to go outside the province, but he's certainly entitled to a lawyer," said Prober
Amsel’s next scheduled court date is next week.
