Rajesh Soni

Findings — machine-extracted (anthropic-batch:claude-opus-4-8); verify against the decision

Rajesh Soni, a sole practitioner called in 2019, admitted under Rule 4-29 to all 19 allegations of professional misconduct in the February 13, 2025 citation. Over 2020-2024 he repeatedly misled four clients, fabricated numerous documents (including fake IRCC letters, a divorce order and certificate, court filings, a court order purportedly signed by a judge, and government correspondence), forged another lawyer's signature and jurat stamp on a false affidavit, prepared a false affidavit for a client to swear, mishandled trust funds causing shortages, made misleading representations to a Law Society trust auditor, and breached an undertaking to the Executive Director. The Discipline Committee accepted his resignation effective April 9, 2026 with a 10-year undertaking not to practise law or seek reinstatement in Canada (with notice required for applications elsewhere). The admissions reflect knowing fabrication and deception. Mitigating factors included his youth/inexperience and lack of supervision, documented health issues, and his remorse and acceptance of responsibility. No fine or costs were specified.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money
• Not mislead third parties or opponents
• Not misrepresent regulated status
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Proper basis for allegations

Aggravating factors:

• Extensive and repeated misconduct involving fabrication of court orders, judicial signatures, and government correspondence
• Multiple clients harmed across several matters over an extended period (2020-2024)
• Forgery of a fellow lawyer's signature and jurat stamp
• Misrepresentations made to the Law Society itself
• Breach of an undertaking given to the Executive Director

Mitigating factors:

• Young and inexperienced lawyer (called 2019) practising largely on his own with little or no mentorship or supervision
• Health concerns for which he was receiving medical treatment, supported by medical evidence
• Remorse and acceptance of responsibility from the outset