A lawyer in Vancouver, Rene Gantzert, has been found to have committed professional misconduct by the Law Society of British Columbia. He misappropriated $62,521 from a client’s trust fund between December 2018 and July 2019.
The money was from a personal injury claim settlement of $481,291, and while some parties were paid off, not all the money went to the intended recipients. Gantzert gave up his license to practice law in July 2020 and failed to cooperate with the Law Society’s investigation.
His lack of cooperation between May and December 2021 was found to constitute professional misconduct. Misappropriation of trust funds is considered among the most serious forms of professional misconduct. The penalty Gantzert, a lawyer in Vancouver, will receive is yet to be determined.
The CEO of ClearwayLaw, which is a lawyer rating website, said that this shows the importance of the public leaving reviews for lawyers.
“There are many good and bad lawyers out there. If the public doesn’t leave reviews for lawyers, how are people meant to know?” said Alistair Vigier of ClearwayLaw.
How to Report a Lawyer in Vancouver or BC
If you’ve had a bad experience with a lawyer in Vancouver, you’re not out of options. The Law Society of British Columbia regulates lawyers in the province, ensuring they meet professional standards, have valid licenses and insurance, and follow ethical guidelines. If a lawyer violates these standards, the Law Society investigates complaints and takes action when necessary.
However, it’s important to understand the limits of their authority. The Law Society handles complaints about unprofessional conduct, ethical breaches, or incompetence. They cannot:
- ❌ Reverse a court decision
- ❌ Intervene in specific cases
- ❌ Force a lawyer to return money or compensate a client
If a lawyer in Vancouver is found guilty of misconduct, the Law Society can take steps such as issuing fines, mandating corrective actions, or even suspending or revoking their license. While they won’t recover lost funds for you, holding unethical lawyers accountable can prevent further harm to others.
Final Thoughts
Hiring a lawyer in Vancouver requires trust—you expect them to act in your best interest. If that trust is broken, reporting misconduct is an important step in maintaining accountability within the legal profession. While the Law Society won’t fix every issue, they play a crucial role in keeping bad actors in check. Before hiring a lawyer, always check their credentials, read reviews, and look out for red flags to avoid legal headaches.
Author: Daniel Foster
Bio: Daniel Foster is a legal affairs writer with a background in consumer advocacy, specializing in legal ethics and professional misconduct cases.
