Australian Financial Review
A Brisbane-based partner at high-powered global law firm Dentons has blamed his cocaine use on the stresses of legal work, after he pleaded guilty to driving under the influence of drugs on Tuesday.
Justin Claude Le Blond, a partner in Dentons’ employment and safety practice, fronted the Brisbane Magistrates Court this week, where he was convicted on a single count of drug-driving and fined $1200.
The international firm said it has since stood Le Blond down and was conducting its own investigation.
“We are aware of the court outcome involving one of our partners and acknowledge the seriousness of the matter,” a spokesman said.
“He has been stood down pending an investigation, and the firm will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Le Blond was charged in October last year, after a police road patrol pulled him over and noticed his “red watery eyes”, “jerky and erratic movements” and “enlarged pupils”, a magistrate was told.
A hospital test showed cocaine, diazepam and other drugs in Le Blond’s system.
The court date was the second in just months for Le Blond, who lost his licence earlier this year over a separate drink-driving charge.
Across a more than 20-year career, Le Blond has worked at an array of major firms, including London-headquartered Kennedys and Australia’s largest legal outfit, HWL Ebsworth.
