The Law Society of Alberta said its rules require any lawyer charged with an offence to report the alleged crimes..Recently, Laura Phypers, a Red Deer lawyer, was charged with attacking a RCMP officer and uttering threats..Phypers works for Advocate Law, with her brother Andrew, also a lawyer.."Laura Phypers has complied with all obligations to the law society," Andrew told the Western Standard on Wednesday..As the regulator of the legal profession, the Law Society of Alberta said it does not comment on legal matters involving individual lawyers..The Law Society of Alberta also said the matters are "private and confidential under the Legal Profession Act."."Matters only become public if citations are issued, and the matter is directed to a public hearing, said Colin Brandt from the Law Society of Alberta..Brandt said generally, as per Rule 105 of the Rules of the Law Society of Alberta, any lawyer charged with an offence is required to report the offence to the law society within a reasonable time after the charge is laid or the investigation commences.."When complaints about lawyers are brought to our attention, we assess each matter according to a process that is fair and consistent for both the lawyer involved and those providing the information," Brandt said.."When a lawyer is found to have engaged in conduct deserving of sanction, they may be subject to a reprimand, fine, suspension or disbarment.".It's unclear if a citation will be issued to Phypers..READ MORE: Police union blasts Red Deer lawyer for publicly shaming officer after brutality claims.Phypers law firm said the RCMP officer was to blame when they overreacted to the situation..Andrew issued a statement to the Western Standard outlining their version of the story.."Out of deep respect for the justice system, Laura Phypers wishes to refrain from engaging in the public forum and trusts the facts will ultimately refute the allegations made against her. The RCMP, however, made a press release that compels a response. On June 3rd, 2023, Laura Phypers, a prominent indigenous defence lawyer, was the passenger in a motor vehicle driven by her friend, Ms. Desiree Friesen, who is also indigenous," the statement reads.
