Jonathan Black-Branch

The Law Society of Manitoba has taken a decisive step by disbarment of Jonathan Black-Branch, a former law dean at the University of Manitoba, for misappropriating more than $500,000 from university coffers. This action strips him of his legal practicing rights within the province. In addition to disbarment, Black-Branch faces a fine of $36,000, marking a significant rebuke for his actions.

Black-Branch's misuse of funds, uncovered during a hearing last fall, spanned four years (2016-2020) and included unauthorized spending on educational materials, dining, lodging, and travel. Notably, Black-Branch chose not to attend the hearing or address the findings of a comprehensive 28-page document that detailed his professional misconduct.

This misconduct, described by the disciplinary panel as a "pervasive and persistent scheme," highlighted a grave breach of integrity. The panel's February 14 ruling emphasized the absence of any remorse or acknowledgment of wrongdoing by Black-Branch, intensifying the gravity of his actions.

The repercussions of Black-Branch's actions extend beyond the legal community to the University of Manitoba itself. The institution has since reimbursed $472,000 to the affected endowment fund, a testament to the financial strain caused by the misappropriation.

The case's impact has been felt deeply within the university's law school. Richard Jochelson, the current dean, acknowledged the lasting "trauma" and the challenge of reconciling fond memories of Black-Branch with the stark reality of his misdeeds. The law school community has been working through these emotions, supporting one another in the aftermath.

Black-Branch's tenure as dean abruptly ended in May 2020 following a whistleblower's complaint, which prompted an internal investigation by the university. This investigation revealed the financial mismanagement attributed to a senior employee, culminating in the disciplinary actions by the Law Society of Manitoba.