Paul Christopher Doroshenko

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

Under a Rule 3-7.1 consent agreement, Vancouver lawyer Paul C. Doroshenko, QC admitted professional misconduct arising from extensive trust accounting failures between 2013 and 2019, including misappropriation/improper withdrawal of $44,353.19 in 82 instances, failures to identify and report shortages, late deposits, commingling of his own funds, inadequate records, failure to supervise staff, and untrue Trust Report representations. Misconduct stemmed from poor oversight, reliance on an accountant and staff, and the lawyer's medical and workplace problems; there was no intent to misuse funds or personal gain, and no client harm. The tribunal did not make an express finding of dishonesty. He was suspended for two months (commencing June 21, 2021) and undertook to complete five additional hours of trust accounting CPD.

Duties found breached:

• Uphold public trust in the profession
• No improper use of client money
• Accounting records, reconciliation and reports
• Supervise staff and delegated work
• Self-report to the regulator

Mitigating factors:

• No prior Professional Conduct Record
• Took full responsibility, apologized and was remorseful; provided a letter of apology
• Cooperated fully and promptly with the audit and investigation
• No intent to misuse trust funds and no personal gain or benefit derived
• Reimbursed the missing trust funds; no clients harmed
• Firm remained solvent throughout
• Medical issues (concussion, slip and fall) and workplace/personnel issues contributed to inadequate oversight
• Reliance on accountant and staff who down-played problems
• Implemented improved accounting procedures and committed to trust accounting courses