The Member abruptly terminated a client engagement which resulted in inconvenience and additional costs to the client. The Member also incorporated the client’s company, contrary to the Legal Professions Act, which restricts incorporation services to those registered to engage in the practice of law. During the incorporation process, the Member made a misrepresentation in the incorporation documents.
The Investigation Committee determined that the Member contravened the following Rules of the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct:
201.1 - Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
202.1 - Integrity and due care
205 - False or misleading documents and oral representations
213 - Unlawful activity
The Committee recommended that the Member:
- accept a reprimand;
- pay a fine of $500; and
- pay investigation expenses of $4,014.