Paul Otto De Lange

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

Paul Otto De Lange, a BC lawyer called in 2009, admitted to numerous allegations of professional misconduct under Rule 4-29, including failing to make reasonable inquiries in 65 suspicious transactions, conflicts of interest, breaches of trust conditions, trust shortages, and extensive breaches of accounting rules including improper trust withdrawals of over $7.5 million. The Discipline Committee accepted his proposal on November 7, 2022. He did not misappropriate client funds and engaged in no dishonest conduct. He undertook not to practise law in BC, or apply for re-admission/admission in Canada, for 15 years from January 1, 2023, ceasing to be a member as a result of disciplinary proceedings. No fine or costs were stated.

Duties found breached:

• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Handle inadvertently received material
• No conflict between current clients
• No improper communication with the court
• No improper use of client money
• Prompt accounting and return of money
• Self-report to the regulator

Aggravating factors:

• Large number of breaches over an extended period (2015-2020)
• Very large sums of money involved in suspicious transactions and improper withdrawals
• Involvement of transactions connected to an individual (T.G.) charged with fraud and an undischarged bankrupt

Mitigating factors:

• Admission of professional misconduct under Rule 4-29 and Agreed Statement of Facts
• No misappropriation of client trust funds
• No dishonest conduct
• Personally paid $175,000 into trust to eliminate the trust shortage