by CHRIS BARRY

Name: Bernard Corbeil

Age: 54

Occupation: Lawyer/proprietor of Club L'Orage

Bio: This hunky Rosemount hipster and former altar boy had originally intended on becoming a priest but, "not being terribly adept at math and science," opted for a career in the legal profession instead. A kick-ass attorney for a top Montreal law firm for over 25 years, he quit in 1999 after his company merged with another firm which looked unfavourably upon his work defending the local swinger community from the incorrigible MUC morality squad. Although he still retains a private legal practice, most of his time these days is spent in his capacity as owner of Club L'Orage, arguably the bitchingest swingers' club in town. He drives a 1996 Nissan Maxima.

Something Bernard can be very proud of: Being largely responsible for a landmark judgement last July in which the Montreal municipal court wrote that "contemporary Canadian society tolerates swingers' clubs if the sexual exchanges take place in private," effectively clearing up most legal ambiguities with respect to Canadians actually being permitted to copulate on the premises of swingers' clubs.

Approximately how much time he spent working on the case: 1,000 hours.

His usual hourly rate: Between $200 and $300 an hour.

How much he billed his clients in this case: $100.

Is there more money in law or in the swinging business? Law, without question.

Something Bernard says most women who frequent L'Orage leave with at the end of the night: "A big smile. You know, maybe she's there with five cute guys around her, and sometimes women as well, all playing with her and, boy, it's really a very positive experience. For women, coming here is a big [ego] boost. They always want to come back. Always."

Something Bernard says happens to many people after experiencing the discreet charm of L'Orage: They change. "They start acting like teenagers again, shaving themselves, putting on nice clothes, smelling good, and couples start acting like they did when they first started going out together."

The number of sexual partners Bernard has had in his 54-year career: "God, I don't know, I never counted or paid attention. But I'm very selective."

On why people who swing are so wonderful: "It's the honesty of swingers. These are couples that have sex with other people and they don't lie about it, they don't feel guilty. They do it together with a lot of communication. And that honesty transcends into everything about their lives."

Does he still go to church everyday? "No, but I'm a very spiritual person."

Last book read: Threesome: How to Fulfill Your Favorite Fantasy, by Lori E. Gammon with Bill Strong.

Favourite film: Eyes Wide Shut.

Musical preferences: Chuck Aznavour, Serge Lama.

Words of wisdom: "Enjoy life as much as you can."

Comments? dimwit@openface.ca