An alleged lawyer in the crosshairs of the Bar

The one who announces herself as “the false real lawyer pref of Quebec”, Megan Lalonde, is the subject of an investigation by the Quebec Bar after complaints from litigants alleging to have been cheated.

“If people have been victims of illegal practice of the legal profession, we want them to call us,” insists Hélène Bisson, director of communications for the Bar. And if citizens suspect fraud, we encourage them to contact their police force. »

Aged 24, the woman who until recently presented herself as Megan Lalonde on Instagram (she changed to meg_lalo) claims to have graduated in law from Laval University in 2020.

For several months, she has regularly published photos and videos of herself in various courthouses in Quebec, boasting of her victories.

“A little win at work,” she rejoices, broadcasting an image of a virtual courtroom and even the face of Judge Thomas Jacques of the Court of Quebec, which is prohibited by a regulation of the Court of Quebec. “My second home,” says Megan, pointing to the entrance to a room in the courthouse. She also broadcast the image of a Crown prosecutor, adding that “this is the fourth box I have made on him today. I think she’s going to cry. »

Last January, Megan Lalonde listed on her LinkedIn profile that she was a lawyer in criminal and family law at Solution Avocat, in Montreal. Criminal lawyer practicing within this firm, M^e Marie-Joëlle Demers, who sits at the Longueuil Bar, then denounced this misleading publication and alerted the Bar.

The Bar would then have asked its members not to publicize the matter so as not to harm the investigation, according to what was mentioned on a Facebook group of defense lawyers. However, the subject has regularly animated discussions on the web between lawyers.

Other complaints from the public have been filed with the professional order in recent days.

The Quebec Bar finally confirmed Thursday that it was investigating Megan Lalonde for illegal practice of the legal profession.

It must be said that a publication on TikTok by Laval lawyer Chanel Alepin had raised a lot of waves. She warned her 40,000 subscribers against individuals who claim to be lawyers and extract money from clients in trouble. In the comments, the name Megan Lalonde pops up. Alleged victims then contact M^e Alepin, saying he has proof in hand.

In prison

It was a lawyer calling herself Megan Lapointe-Lalonde who allegedly contacted Danny (fictitious first name) at the Quebec Detention Facility at the end of December. He had just been arrested for possession of a weapon.

Danny says he trusted the young criminal lawyer because she had been recommended by a friend. He therefore decided to abandon his usual law office.

“We agreed that she would represent me and friends paid $4,000 on my behalf,” he explains. She said to me, “You’re going to be home for Christmas.” »

Danny’s previous lawyer then had to contact Megan to pass on information. “When I contact her, she tells me that she is in Drummondville,” summarizes the lawyer who does not wish to be identified. She says she will ask the court to take up the matter. I tell him it doesn’t work like that. The court is automatically seized, we are criminals. I was never able to proceed with the substitution of lawyer, she did not show up. »

As a result, Danny would have spent an additional 14 days in detention before being released on conditions. And he says his friends never saw their money again.

The Press called the same number Danny used to reach Megan on Thursday.

She responds, confirms that her name is Megan, is a lawyer, but that she is not Megan Lalonde or Megan Lapointe. “I am listed on the order’s roll, but my name is not Lalonde,” she repeats.

Megan claims to work in a firm, for a boss she prefers not to name, so as not to be traced back to her. She says she is one of the defense lawyers for individuals arrested during Operation Scandalous against street gangs, in the greater Quebec region.

She insists she had absolutely nothing to do with the repeated fraud allegations on lawyer Chanel Alepin’s TikTok post and categorically denies taking money from anyone. “It is very serious the accusations of Mr.^e Alepin, she laments. My family is afraid right now, vandalism has been done. »

If people have been defrauded, it is important that they report, insists the so-called lawyer.

Megan confirms having met with the Quebec Bar on Wednesday and she intends to collaborate. “I’m not running away from anyone,” she assures. People who have to have my identity, I do. »