A Vancouver lawyer who specialized in real estate conveyances has admitted to fraud and inadequate bookkeeping and has agreed to a voluntary seven-year suspension from the Law Society of BC.
James Hu resigned from the Law Society January 31, 2013 and cannot apply for reinstatement for seven years.
Hu admitted to 23 incidents of fraud between 2007 and 2010 and a generally lax approach towards record keeping.
He admitted to failing to properly supervise staff and protect client confidentiality and adequately maintain accounts and records. He also admitted to withdrawing funds from trust to pay his fees without first delivering a bill to his clients in 21 cases, the Law Society said.
"The most significant disciplinary action the Law Society can take is to remove a lawyer's ability to practise law," said Deborah Armour, chief legal officer for the Law Society.
"In this case, we have proactively obtained the lawyer's resignation and he has agreed not to apply for reinstatement for seven years. The public is protected."
