William Gilmour. A Brampton lawyer whose name has become synonymous with law suits and the RCMP.

Recall the 2007 RCMP Scandal over alleged corruption and cover-up within the organization? Bill Gilmour, himself a former RCMP officer, went public saying he has a dozen clients waiting to share stories of serious wrongdoing within the force if they were given protection from reprisals.

Today, Bill is making international headlines (Gay Mountie's $13M lawsuit says RCMP ruined his reputation) as counsel for Donald Cooke, a senior RCMP investigator. Mr. Cooke, who is gay, claims in the $13M lawsuit that a "homophobic culture" in the force, unfounded assault allegations, a public arrest, and a lengthy suspension has ruined his reputation.

I had the honour of meeting Bill in 2002, while I was working at the Osgoode Hall Law Library in Toronto, Ontario. My initial impression was that he was a "Gentle Giant". To this date, I still view Bill in this light. But something tells me that the RCMP's legal team may not think of him this same way!