Robert Lloyd Dick

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

Robert L. Dick, a BC criminal defence lawyer called in 1988, admitted professional misconduct in a Rule 3-7.1 consent agreement. While acting for NRC Ltd. on a cannabis retail licensing venture (2018-2021), he failed to guard against being the dupe of an unscrupulous client, failed to make reasonable inquiries about identity, objectives and source of cash funds (including potential proceeds of crime), and failed to decline to act despite knowing of a 'white knight' scheme to conceal the true principal DC's involvement from the City and Province. He also acted in a conflict of interest by referring the landlord to a competing cannabis retailer. He consented to a two-month suspension. The tribunal noted he was aware dishonesty would be involved in the licensing application but made no express finding of dishonesty against the Lawyer himself.

Duties found breached:

• No conflict between current clients
• No improper use of client money

Mitigating factors:

• Lawyer is remorseful and acknowledges he proceeded in the face of numerous red flags
• Made admissions and cooperated with discipline counsel in a timely way
• No personal benefit, including legal fees, gained from the misconduct
• No prior professional conduct record