'Charged for doing my job': Regina lawyer says she'll fight obstruction of justice charge

A Regina lawyer charged with obstructing justice says she looks forward to having her position "vindicated in court."

The charge against Sharon Fox, 37, comes after the criminal defence lawyer allegedly improperly disclosed information during a 2019 police investigation, the Regina Police Service said in a Tuesday news release.

Details about the case the allegation centres on haven't been released, as it's still working its way through the courts, police said.

"I have been charged for doing my job as criminal defence lawyer. I will not be intimidated by the police into withholding information from my client when it would be unethical to do so," Fox said in an emailed statement to CBC News, noting she's also unable to comment further until disclosure is provided through the normal court process.

The allegations against Fox have not been tested in court. She is slated to make her first appearance in provincial court on the charge on Sept. 22.

Fox is a lawyer with Regina's Nychuk & Company. The firm's website says prior to that, she practised law in Namibia,  working with local government to implement democratic processes and set up the legal framework for civil registration systems.

In Regina, her practice focuses on criminal and real estate law, along with civil forfeiture and litigation matters, according to her biography.

Last summer, Fox was also one of two lawyers with Nychuk & Company who filed a statement of claim on behalf of a Regina teacher seeking $1 million in damages after sexual assault allegations were made on a viral Regina Instagram account.

Fox is also co-counsel for one of several lawsuits connected with the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

Law Society gathering information on the allegation

The Law Society of Saskatchewan said it's aware of the charge against Fox, and is currently gathering information on the matter.

"When criminal allegations arise in relation to a lawyer, the Law Society will assess if there is an obvious danger to the public," said Tim Huber, the law society's deputy executive director and general counsel.

"Any such danger that exists can be addressed through a range of interim regulatory measures ranging from practice conditions to suspensions."

Should any measures be taken, they would be made public, Huber said.

Beyond determining whether the situation needs immediate interim regulatory measures, Huber said the law society will put its process on hold until "the criminal matter is determined in the criminal courts." From there, it will determine what regulatory action is appropriate.