Lawyer Vincent Ranger, who defended twenty co-owners cheated in a real estate scheme free of charge, was honored Thursday by the Quebec Bar.
“Me Vincent Ranger represents, through his altruism and his tenacity, the archetype of the auxiliary of justice that the lawyer must be. His extraordinary pro bono commitment and his dedication to his vulnerable clients have served the interests of justice in a remarkable manner, and his action reflects on public confidence in the justice system,” the Bar said in a press release. of Quebec.
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Me Vincent Ranger stood out by defending pro bono for more than five years around twenty co-owners cheated in a complex real estate scheme.
The Press had reported the story of this co-owner of a 119-unit building in Montreal who built a scheme with his brother to steal from around twenty of his co-owners, most of them recent immigrants, by harassing them, spying on them, humiliating and legally exhausting them.
In January 2024, the Superior Court recognized the abuse suffered by the co-owners. Maher Balabanian and his brother, Jean Balabanian, were ordered to pay nearly 5.9 million in compensation and punitive damages and 1.3 million in interest to the co-owners.
“The ability of Me Being able to persistently defend the interests of victims was not only noticed, but also praised by the press. The Merit is awarded to him for his exceptional commitment to social justice, his professional ethics and his human-centered approach,” added the Bar.
Three other attorneys were honored Thursday. Me Régine Tremblay was selected for her contribution to the advancement of women in the profession and in society.
Me Peter William Hutchins was honored posthumously for his contribution to the integration of Indigenous legal traditions into Canadian law and the recognition of Indigenous interpretations of treaties and Aboriginal rights by the state justice system.
Finally, Me Suzanne H. Pringle, was retained for representing the interests of her clients in complex litigation and division of financial interests matters.