The Liberal opposition is accusing Premier Danny Williams of breaking the Law Society of Newfoundland's code of conduct.

Opposition justice critic Kelvin Parsons said Williams's comments last week about Newfoundland Supreme Court Justice Raymond Halley go against the professional standards set by the Law Society.

Premier Danny Williams said Justice Raymond Halley went over the line in his ruling on the Max Ruelokke appointment.
(CBC)

Williams said Halley was overzealous in a ruling that went against the province and ordered the appointment of Max Ruelokke as the chairman and chief executive officer of the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board.

Williams suggested that Halley — who deemed the provincial government's handling of the Ruelokke issue was "reprehensible" — "got up on the wrong side of the bed" when he wrote his ruling.

Parsons said Williams is treating the legal system with disrespect. Both Parsons and Williams practised law before entering politics.

Opposition justice critic Kelvin Parsons said the premier's criticism of Halley was unprofessional.
(CBC)

"You can have your opinion, you can fight your case vehemently, you can hold your ground. He has a right to appeal, [but] follow the process that's set out and don't mix what's a very serious issue with your personal feelings," he said.

The code encourages lawyers to avoid petty criticism, and also suggests that a lawyer who holds public office should live up the standards of a practising lawyer.

Williams is brushing aside the Liberal criticism as partisan sniping.

Williams said he made his comments as premier, and not as a lawyer. He told CBC News he is no longer registered as a practising lawyer with the Law Society.

"I have an opinion as to what's in the best interests of the people for the protection of our resources, and I have a right to speak," Williams said.

"Basically, all Mr. Parsons is doing here is using a personal attack on me to play political games."

Parsons said the Liberals are not planning to file a complaint with the Law Society. Instead, he said, the Opposition wants Williams to apologize to Halley.

The Canadian Bar Association has described Williams's comments as inappropriate.

Williams and the provincial government are considering an appeal of Halley's ruling.

Williams had campaigned to have St. John's Mayor Andy Wells — who, he said, would challenge oil companies over benefits and other issues — appointed as head of the CNLOPB. More recently, Williams has wanted the jobs of board chairman and CEO split.