Lawyer Declared Vexatious Litigant for Harassment in City Lawsuit
The Ontario Superior Court has declared a lawyer a vexatious litigant, preventing him from initiating or continuing any legal proceedings without prior court approval. The decision stems from his persistent abusive and harassing behaviour in a lawsuit against the City of Toronto.
Case Background
On October 5, 2022, lawyer Shane O’Herlihy filed a personal injury lawsuit against the City of Toronto and a city employee, alleging he was assaulted at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal.
After the City filed its defence, O’Herlihy launched a campaign of harassment, sending 392 emails, voicemails, and letters over a span of 318 days. His targets included the defendants, their legal counsel, and unrelated third parties.
The content of these communications included threats to embarrass and harm the lawyers and their families. According to the court, his motive was to pressure the City into settling the lawsuit.
This case highlights the court’s power to protect litigants and legal professionals from harassment and abuse through vexatious litigant designations.