Celebrittorney Clayton Ruby’s best media-baiting manoeuvres

Star Client Ben Levin, ex–deputy education minister Details Levin is facing seven counts of child exploitation, including possession of child pornography. Media Baiting After Levin exited a Toronto courtroom, Ruby addressed the press and mocked a Sun News reporter, jokingly accusing her of being a child molester. Verdict TBD. The case is awaiting its day in court. Stats 5 A1 stories (so far), 1 press conference, 945 Google hits for Clayton Ruby and Ben Levin

Photographs: Levin by QMI Agency; Magder by GetStock; G20, Robinson by CP Images; Khadr by Fred Lum/Globe and Mail

Star Client Paul Magder Details Magder, a Toronto resident, took Mayor Ford to court, alleging conflict of interest after Ford raised $3,150 for his football foundation using city hall letterhead, then voted in council that he shouldn’t have to repay the funds. Media Baiting At press conferences, Ruby and Magder brought along a sign reading “Respect Taxpayers, Respect the Law.” Verdict Ruby won the trial but lost on appeal. Stats 46 A1 stories, 2 press conferences, 9,300 Google hits for Clayton Ruby and Paul Magder

Star Client G20 protesters Details Ruby represented a number of G20 protestors, some of whom were imprisoned during the summit and released—with charges dropped—afterward. Media Baiting Accused police of stonewalling and compared Canada to a banana republic.
Verdict Mixed bag. Police delayed long enough to invoke the statute of limitations in some cases (Ruby is appealing). Various claimants have reached confidential settlements. Stats 8 A1 stories, 6 press conferences, 12,700 Google hits for Clayton Ruby and G20

Star Client Abdurahman Khadr Details After the Khadr family’s links to bin Laden came to light, Ottawa denied Abdurahman Khadr, Omar Khadr’s brother, a passport, then amended the law to allow them to do so. Media Baiting Ruby summed up his thoughts of the legislative manoeuvring thusly: “Not bad for a dictatorship, not good enough for Canada.” Verdict Draw. The court ruled Khadr was allowed to re-apply for a passport, but Foreign Affairs rejected his application. Stats 5 A1 stories, 1 press conference, 716 Google hits for Clayton Ruby and Abdurahman Khadr

Star Client Svend Robinson, ex–B.C. MP Details Robinson stole a ring estimated to be worth as much as $65,000 from a Richmond auction house. Media Baiting During a press conference, Robinson broke down, confessed and blamed his actions on stress. Verdict Robinson pleaded guilty, and Ruby successfully argued for a conditional discharge (meaning no record) and no jail time. Stats 45 A1 stories, 1 press conference, 1,050 Google hits for Clayton Ruby and Svend Robinson