SQLFusion - Catholic lawyer says he was reluctant to get involved

Adams Wraps Up Testimony At Inquiry

Cornwall News AM 1220

November 16, 2007 — More questions at the Cornwall Public Inquiry for a city lawyer who took the stand. Sean Adams has wrapped up his testimony detailing his involvement in a $32,000 settlement offered in the '90's by the local diocese to an alleged abuse victim. Part of the agreement meant no legal action could be taken against the accused priest or church. Adams says he okayed the document without realizing it was illegal. Hearings resume Monday.

Was Adams The Right Lawyer?

Cornwall News AM 1220

November 15, 2007 — He's a lawyer. But was Sean Adams the right lawyer to act for a man who was offered a settlement by the church? At the Cornwall Public Inquiry, Sean Adams is explaining his involvement in a $32,000 agreement between alleged victim David Silmser and the diocese. The deal surfaced after Silmser made allegations against a city priest in the 1990s. Silmser had to promise not to proceed in a criminal or civil matter in order to get the cash. But, he needed a lawyer to sign the documents so he hired Adams. Adams says he was reluctant to act for Silmser. The commissioner asked why.