Stuart Jay Zukerman

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

Stuart J. Zukerman, a BC family law lawyer called in 1989, admitted professional misconduct for sexually harassing employees AA and BB over more than 20 years, including non-consensual touching, sexual comments, surreptitious photography/attempted filming, and creating a sexualized hostile work environment. On August 26, 2024 the Chair of the Discipline Committee approved a Rule 3-7.1 consent agreement under which the Lawyer resigned effective November 30, 2024 and undertook not to practise law in BC or seek reinstatement in Canada for five years, among other conditions. No express finding of dishonesty was made. No fine or costs were stated.

Duties found breached:

• No unlawful discrimination or harassment
• No baseless or threatened misconduct report

Aggravating factors:

• Prior professional conduct record (2017 Conduct Review for disparaging online comments about a client's ex-wife)
• Misconduct continued over 20 years despite repeated complaints
• Heightened position of power over employees
• Severe impact on victims, resulting in three employees leaving the Firm

Mitigating factors:

• Physical and mental health issue contributing to the May 10, 2023 incident, supported by medical report
• Cooperative with the investigation
• Admitted his misconduct
• Took steps to address his health issues