Langley lawyer in ‘creepy uncle’ routine with female employees suspended for six weeks

A partner in a Langley law firm who admitted he sexually harassed two female subordinates when he engaged in what he called his “creepy uncle routine” has been suspended for six weeks.

During an event put on by the firm at a Vancouver restaurant on June 20, 2020, Johnston performed what he termed his “creepy uncle routine” with a female associate lawyer he had been mentoring. About 40 of the 50 staff and lawyers who worked at the firm were attending the event.

At the restaurant, Johnston peered from around a corner, staring with a “creepy” expression on his face and appeared at the associate lawyer’s table four times during the event.

Johnston, who had been drinking and felt his routine was humorous, at one point held her close, by the arm, and touched her stomach with his other hand.

He told her that he thought they would make a really good baby together and that she would not have to worry about anything.