The son of former Montreal mafia boss Vito Rizzuto has had his law license suspended by the Quebec Bar amid serious organized crime allegations. Leonardo Rizzuto, who practiced law at a Montreal firm for years, now faces professional consequences following a disciplinary hearing held on June 28.
The suspension comes after a lengthy investigation by Quebec’s professional regulatory body. While Rizzuto has maintained his innocence throughout various legal proceedings, the Bar determined that allowing him to continue practicing law posed potential risks to the public.
“The decision reflects our commitment to protecting public interest and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession,” said Marie-Claude Sarrazin, spokesperson for the Quebec Bar, when reached for comment. She emphasized that such actions are never taken lightly but are essential when serious allegations arise against members.
This suspension marks another chapter in the ongoing saga of the Rizzuto family’s entanglements with law enforcement. Leonardo’s father, Vito, who passed away in 2013, was widely recognized as one of Canada’s most powerful organized crime figures, heading what authorities called the Montreal Mafia for decades.
Leonardo’s legal troubles began in earnest in 2015 when he was arrested alongside Stefano Sollecito in a major police operation targeting organized crime in Montreal. At that time, authorities alleged the two men had assumed leadership roles in the criminal organization previously headed by Vito Rizzuto.
Professor Antonio Nicaso, who teaches courses on organized crime at Queen’s University, explains the significance. “The Rizzuto family has been central to Montreal’s underworld for generations. When professional credentials intersect with alleged criminal connections, regulatory bodies must respond decisively.”
The Quebec Bar’s disciplinary council will now determine whether more permanent measures are warranted. Their investigation examined not only the criminal allegations but also whether Rizzuto’s conduct violated the ethical standards required of legal professionals in the province.
Montreal criminal defense attorney Sophie Gagnon, who is not involved in the case, notes this type of action is relatively rare. “The Bar has an obligation to protect public confidence in the legal profession. When serious allegations emerge against a member, especially involving organized crime, they must act while still respecting due process.”
The suspension doesn’t represent a final determination of guilt but rather a precautionary measure. Rizzuto will have opportunities to present his case before the disciplinary council makes any permanent decisions regarding his professional status.
For Montreal residents, the case highlights the continuing legacy of organized crime in the city and raises questions about how professional bodies should respond when members face serious criminal allegations before conviction.
Former RCMP organized crime investigator Pierre Tremblay suggests this represents a significant development. “Professional licensing bodies are increasingly willing to take proactive measures rather than waiting for criminal proceedings to conclude. This represents an evolution in how society addresses alleged connections between professionals and organized crime.”
The suspension will remain in effect pending further hearings and determinations by the Quebec Bar’s disciplinary council. Rizzuto has the right to appeal the decision through established procedures within Quebec’s professional regulatory framework.
