Brockville lawyer resigns amid trust fund probe — but discipline case moves forward

Culic has denied misappropriation but admitted borrowing from a client

A Brockville lawyer accused of misappropriating a client’s trust funds has resigned from the legal profession, but disciplinary proceedings against him will continue, The Recorder and Times reports.

Clinton Culic told the Law Society Tribunal last month he admits breaching rules that prohibit lawyers from borrowing money from clients. He said he is resigning as a licensed lawyer.

Earlier this year, the tribunal restricted Culic’s licence on an interim basis while it considers a request from the Law Society of Ontario to suspend him.

The regulator says it is investigating allegations Culic may have misappropriated trust money belonging to an 84-year-old client suffering from vascular dementia.

Court records say about $405,000 from the sale of the client’s home was placed in Culic’s trust account. A $200,000 loan was later arranged, but the Law Society alleges Culic was the borrower and failed to disclose that.

Culic has denied misappropriation but admitted borrowing from a client.

Tribunal officials say his resignation will not affect the case.

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