Rob Rakochey was a partner at Field Law and a respected attorney in Alberta, Canada, for 34 years. So respected, in fact, that he recently received the King’s counsel (KC) title, given to those in the profession who exhibit the highest integrity.
But that was all before his eyebrow-raising email sent earlier this month.
Rakochey sent the email to dozens of colleagues inviting them to his annual Rob Rakochey Invitational golf tournament in Kimberley, B.C. But the email uses wildly inappropriate language that is disrespectful to women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and pretty much anyone with a modicum of decorum.
Of his new title, Rakochey wrote, “If you do plan on nodding repeatedly, as some do, please close your mouth lest people get the wrong impression.” He continued in awful taste, “Unless you are a person with a vagina, in which case I am in Room 408.”
As reported by CBC News, the offensive content continued for 2,000 words:
In his email, Rakochey also referenced golf tournament attendees taking a woman’s camera while on a past trip that was “filled … with dick picks/balloon knot shots late Saturday night after the last drop of tequila was consumed.”
The message details what to expect at the tournament, including the resort and golf packages available.
“You can come as often as you want — just respect your roommate and wipe up afterwards,” he says.
The three-night Finishers Package is for golfers who “know where we came from, where we are, where we are going and are comfortable.”
His awful “jokes” continued:
A two-night stay was labelled the Transitioners Package.
“Converting, changing, still a bit confused, but on your journey.”
“Back to the issue of trans people,” wrote Rakochey earlier in the email. “People born one way but later decide they want to be another.”
Rakochey also wrote about a golfer who switched from a left- to right-handed swing, writing that transitioning can be done “the natural way — no surgery, no hormones, etc.”
He concluded the invitation urging “single guys” to “leave the Ho’s behind this trip — there is enough talent in town.”
Following the controversy, Rakochey resigned his partnership at Field Law.
His now-former firm seems none too pleased to be drawn into this mess. Field Law managing partner Jeremiah Kowalchuk told CBC News said the “inappropriate email” was “not sanctioned and relates to a social event that has nothing to do with Field Law.” He continued, “The email was deeply disturbing, and its contents do not reflect the values and beliefs of our organization.” Kowalchuk also said, “Field Law prides itself on being a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment for all.”
Kowalichuk isn’t the only one opining on the inappropriate actions of Rakochey.
Kellinde Wrightson, a lawyer and professor at the University of Calgary, to review the invitation.
Wrightson, who is also chair of the law faculty’s equality, diversity and inclusion committee, called the email “divisive … disrespectful and misogynistic.”
“It is astonishing that not just a member of our law society would think this was OK to put in writing but someone who’s just been appointed to King’s counsel,” said Wrightson in an interview with CBC News.
“How do you further the well-being of our community when you do stuff like this, which openly and deliberately damages the well-being of our community as a whole?” said Wrightson.
The email specifically alienates members of the queer community and sends a message that they are “not acceptable,” says Wrightson.
“He’s about 100 years out of date, right?”
And, what’s more, Rakochey could find himself on the wrong side of the Law Society of Alberta code of conduct. Wrightson said the code “speaks specifically to dishonourable and questionable conduct in private life or professional practice, and as I read this, it’s certainly questionable, and I think it is dishonourable. It’s incredibly disrespectful. It’s irresponsible as well.”
The Law Society doesn’t comment on complaints, but you have to imagine plenty of people have an issue with Rob Rakochey right now.
You can read the full email here.
Kathryn Rubino is a Senior Editor at Above the Law, host of The Jabot podcast, and co-host of Thinking Like A Lawyer. AtL tipsters are the best, so please connect with her. Feel free to email her with any tips, questions, or comments and follow her on Twitter @Kathryn1 or Mastodon @Kathryn1@mastodon.social.
