Ian Mulgrew: Top lawyer accused of mishandling millions

The Law Society of B.C. has accused one of the province’s most senior and respected lawyers, Michael Bolton, of permitting his trust account to be used in a manner that he ought to have known would assist in or encourage dishonesty, crime or fraud.

The funds alleged to be involved total more than $20 million over the last decade.

Bolton denies the charges but now faces a disciplinary panel hearing.

“It is our view that the Law Society allegations against Mr. Bolton are entirely unfounded,” said his lawyer, retired justice Peter Leask. “The citation was authorized in late November and we are still waiting for disclosure.”

The hearing is the first stage of a disciplinary process for lawyers that could lead to a variety of sanctions, including disbarment from the profession.