Lawyer Fontana convicted of fraud, vows to appeal

Me Véronique Fontana, a prominent lawyer in the canton of Vaud, faces a criminal conviction for fraud concerning one of her former clients. The verdict was delivered earlier this week, but Fontana remains defiant, vowing to appeal the decision all the way to the Federal Tribunal.

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I will appeal until the Federal Tribunal if necessary. This decision is unjust, but I have confidence in justice. We have arguments to present.

Fontana expressed her belief that the decision is unjust, stating, "I will appeal until the Federal Tribunal if necessary. This decision is unjust, but I have confidence in justice. We have arguments to present." Despite facing what she described as "violent reactions," including insulting anonymous letters, she insists she never intended to deceive anyone. She acknowledged that "things may have gotten tangled" but has taken steps to improve oversight by reducing the size of her practice.

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Of course, I did not do everything right, we certainly got tangled. But I never wanted to deceive anyone.

The conviction brings attention to the legal profession's disciplinary actions. Disbarment is a rare occurrence in the canton of Vaud, making Fontana's case notable. While she maintains her confidence in the judicial system, the immediate consequence of the verdict is a significant blow to her professional standing.

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I have taken measures, I have reduced the size of the structure I manage in order to better control the administrative side.