Lawyer found to have engaged in professional misconduct for misappropriating client funds and misleading investigators.
The Law Society of Ontario brought an application against the respondent lawyer alleging conduct unbecoming and professional misconduct.
The respondent admitted to conduct unbecoming for a criminal conviction of obstructing a peace officer.
The Tribunal found the respondent engaged in professional misconduct by misleading a Law Society investigator about his whereabouts to delay an interview.
Furthermore, the Tribunal found the respondent misappropriated retainer funds from two clients, taking money without performing the retained legal services, and fabricated file documents to conceal his misconduct.
All allegations were established, with penalty and costs to be determined at a subsequent hearing.
