Morning Briefing: International law firm pulls out of Canada

Allen & Overy is to close its Canadian office after the departure of its Toronto-based partner. Francois Duquette is taking the opportunity to move home to Montreal after 16 years of working in at locations across the globe; he will join an institutional investment firm in a senior management role. The Globe and Mail says that the only other lawyer in A&O’s Toronto office is a senior associate whose future has not been reported. The office, which opened in 2014, was largely a marketing opportunity for the firm and did not compete in the domestic marketplace. Clients will be served by A&O in London and New York.
 
Million-dollar fraud barrister disbarred
A British barrister who was jailed in 2013 for defrauding the UK government to the tune of £600,000 (AU$1.2 million) has been debarred. Rohan Peshad practised from 39 Essex Street but failed to hand over sales tax charged on client fees. The Bar Standards Board voted unanimously to disbar the QC in order to uphold public confidence in the profession, especially in light of the serious nature of the conviction.
 
Law firm investigates Fiat over alleged under-reporting of deaths
US shareholder rights law firm Johnson & Weaver is investigating claims that car manufacturer Fiat Chrysler under-reported the number of deaths involving its vehicles. Marketwatch reports that the allegations were made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration which says that the discrepancy was “significant”.
 
Lawsuit filed by daughter of deceased Fast & Furious actor
A lawsuit has been filed by the daughter of actor Paul Walker who died in a car accident in 2013. CNN reports that the case alleges that the manufacturer of the car which was been driven by the actor’s friend Roger Rodas has known defects which contributed to the pair’s death. The Porsche Carrera GT was being driven recklessly and at excessive speed when it crashed according to the car manufacturer. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that speed was the cause. However Meadow Walker’s lawyer Jeff Milam of The Milam Law Firm said in a statement that: “the Porsche Carrera GT is a dangerous car. It doesn't belong on the street.” The suit alleges multiple design flaws and is claiming unspecified damages.