Former Victoria lawyer disbarred for misconduct, ordered to pay $49K in legal costs
The Law Society of British Columbia has disbarred a former Victoria lawyer who misappropriated $100,000 from a client and made false and misleading claims to those he had represented, according to a decision by the society's disciplinary tribunal.
Lindsay Adam Christopher Ross was also found to have acted in a conflict of interest when he represented his wife, his cousin and her spouse in the purchase and sale of multiple properties, the law society said in a disciplinary notice published Friday.
The tribunal also found Ross invested a client's money in a project in which he and his wife had a personal stake, eventually distributing the proceeds from the sale entirely to his wife despite knowing the funds were not enough to pay the other parties involved their proper share, the notice said.
The tribunal found Ross's misconduct was "committed for his own personal financial benefit," saying the senior lawyer, who was highly experienced in complex commercial transactions, used his expertise to mislead his clients.
Lawyer must pay legal costs
"Misappropriation is the most serious misconduct that a lawyer can commit," the tribunal noted in its decision issued on March 19.
The three-member panel also took into consideration Ross's prior record of professional conduct, which "shows serious lapses of responsibility regarding trust accounting processes and lack of respect for lawyers and the court," the society added.
In addition to the disbarment, Ross was ordered to pay $49,075 in legal costs incurred during the hearing.
According to the tribunal's decision, Ross was admitted as a member of the law society in 1989, one year after he was called to the bar in Alberta. He retired as a lawyer in June 2020, was suspended from practice the following month and was no longer a law society member as of Jan. 1, 2021.
Despite his resignation, the law society tribunal says it has the authority and responsibility to investigate and pursue disciplinary action even against a lawyer who has ceased to be a member of the society.
"This is to assure the public and the profession that the consequences of misconduct cannot be avoided simply by resigning from the law society," the disciplinary panel wrote. "It also provides a record in the event that a member applies to renew their membership or to practise law in another jurisdiction."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Finals
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.