In an unprecedented move that has sent shockwaves through Quebec’s legal community, the Quebec Bar Association has suspended the law licence of Leonardo Rizzuto, son of former Montreal Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto and alleged current leader of the criminal organization.
The disciplinary council’s decision, announced yesterday, comes after months of deliberation following serious allegations connecting Rizzuto to organized crime activities despite his previous acquittal on gangsterism and drug trafficking charges in 2018.
“The integrity of our legal profession remains paramount,” said Claudine Desrochers, spokesperson for the Quebec Bar Association. “When sufficient evidence suggests a member may be compromising the public’s trust in our institutions, we must take decisive action regardless of previous court decisions.”
The suspension follows a comprehensive investigation that examined Rizzuto’s professional conduct and alleged connections to organized crime networks operating throughout Montreal and beyond. According to Canada News sources, authorities have been monitoring Rizzuto’s activities since his 2015 arrest during Operation Magot-Mastiff, a major police sweep targeting organized crime in Quebec.
Documents obtained by CO24 reveal that the disciplinary council considered sealed police intelligence reports not previously presented in criminal court. These reports allegedly contain intercepted communications suggesting Rizzuto maintained operational control of family business interests while practicing law—creating what the Bar described as “an irreconcilable conflict with professional ethics.”
Defence attorney Marie-Hélène Giroux, representing Rizzuto, vehemently contested the suspension, arguing that it constitutes double jeopardy after her client’s acquittal in criminal proceedings. “This represents a dangerous precedent where professional bodies can essentially override court decisions based on intelligence rather than proven facts,” Giroux stated outside the Bar’s Montreal headquarters.
The Rizzuto crime family has maintained a significant presence in Montreal’s underworld since the 1970s, with their influence extending into construction, real estate, and other legitimate businesses. Leonardo, who specialized in commercial and real estate law, has consistently denied any involvement in criminal enterprises despite his family connections.
Former RCMP organized crime specialist Jean-François Brodeur told CO24 News that the suspension highlights the evolving strategy against modern organized crime. “Today’s mafia doesn’t necessarily operate in the shadows. They utilize professionals—lawyers, accountants, brokers—who provide legitimate services while potentially facilitating criminal operations. This suspension sends a powerful message.”
Legal experts note this case creates a complex precedent regarding professional regulation versus judicial findings. McGill University law professor Catherine Tremblay explains: “Professional bodies operate with different standards of proof than criminal courts. What we’re seeing is an assertion that the Bar can protect public interest even when criminal charges don’t result in conviction.”
The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place pending a full disciplinary hearing expected later this year. During this period, Rizzuto is prohibited from practicing law or representing himself as a lawyer in Quebec.
As this story continues to develop, the broader question emerges: How should professional regulatory bodies balance respecting court decisions while maintaining public trust in their professions? When family legacy intersects with professional responsibility, where should society draw the line?
