Nanaimo lawyer disbarred for misconduct after sexual assault conviction

A lawyer in Nanaimo, B.C., has been disbarred more than two years after he was criminally convicted of sexually assaulting a vulnerable prospective client.

Marc Andre Scheirer, also known as Marc Andre Eckardt, was found to have committed professional misconduct by a Law Society of British Columbia hearing panel in a decision that was announced earlier this month.

The decision lays out how in February 2018, Scheirer met with prospective client "X" whose husband had been charged with domestic assault. X was seeking legal advice about getting the terms of her husband's bail changed so they could live together.  

During the meeting, Scheirer put his head on X's chest, rubbed her leg and and moved his hand toward her crotch, according to the decision.

"She tried to stand up; he pushed her down and said, 'Nicer you are to me now, the sooner we get your husband home.' The assault lasted approximately 60 seconds," reads the decision.

X complained to police, who launched an investigation. In November 2020 Scheirer was charged with sexual assault. Four months later he was handed a suspended sentence and two years probation.  

The panel noted the devastating impact Scheirer's actions had on X.

According to the decision, Scheirer "had amassed a very concerning professional conduct record." In addition to the sexual assault conviction, he received a six-month suspension from the law society in 2022 for similar "predatory conduct" involving another female client.

The panel said Scheirer showed no remorse and even attempted to introduce evidence at the hearing to prove the sexual assault of X never happened.  

In its reasons, the panel said "...the absolute lack of any acknowledgement or remorse by [Scheirer] raises concerns about [his] potential for rehabilitation. Disbarment is also the only sanction that gives appropriate consideration to the protection of the public."