CL Talk

Inside one lawyer's fight with addiction – and the Law Society of Ontario's response

Dec 09, 2025

Toronto criminal defence lawyer Robert Kivlichan joins CL Talk to share how his addiction and severe panic attacks collided with a Law Society of Ontario spot audit and led to his suspension and a capacity investigation. He describes why he believes the LSO’s process can weaponize mental health disclosures, forcing lawyers to surrender sensitive medical information to non‑medical staff, even while they are in treatment. Kivlichan also explains the path he took to lasting sobriety, how he rebuilt his practice, and the hard advice he now gives to lawyers, regulators, and families about supporting professionals in crisis.