The head of the Quebec Bar Association will remain suspended following a ruling by Quebec Superior Court.
Justice Michel Beaupré made the ruling Friday after several days of hearings this week.
Lu Chan Khuong had petitioned the court to be reinstated immediately as head of the Quebec Bar Association, arguing that the order's administrative council lacked the power to order her suspension.
The judge disagreed, saying while the council's powers were not clear, it was not evident that it lacked the authority to temporarily suspend her pending further debate and discussion.
Khuong was suspended when the Bar Association executives learned she was the subject of a shoplifting complaint in Laval in April 2014, even though she was never charged.
The Bar Association said during court hearings it has since learned of a second similar incident happening in Quebec City.
Following her suspension Khuong sued the Bar Assocation Council for $95,000 for damaging her reputation. They have counter-sued her for $90,000, arguing she has damaged their image.
