Vancouver lawyer Laird Russell Cruikshank has been suspended for 45 days starting September 1 and must reimburse the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) $6,498 in costs following an investigation into his practices, the LSBC announced August 23.
The LSBC found that Cruikshank:
- failed to serve two clients in a conscientious, diligent and efficient manner;
- failed to pay disbursement accounts sent to him by opposing counsel;
- failed to respond promptly to opposing counsel;
- received a contingency fee from a client without having entered into an agreement in writing;
- failed to account in writing for trust funds received; and
- withdrew trust funds without authorization to pay bills of other clients.
Cruickshank admitted that his behaviour constituted professional misconduct and a breach of LSBC Rules, according to an LSBC statement.
During Cruickshank’s suspension, Ronald Huinink has agreed to manage Cruickshank’s practice so that his clients will have continuous access to legal services.
