News Release
October 02, 2018

Vancouver, October 2, 2018 – A hearing panel of the Law Society of British Columbia has ordered that Victoria lawyer Gregory Neil Harney be suspended for professional misconduct. His 30-day suspension will commence no later than November 1.

Harney committed professional misconduct when he disbursed funds in breach of a trust condition. While representing a client in an employment dispute with her former employer, Harney received funds on the client’s behalf that were subject to a trust condition that they not be disbursed until all of the claims and defence costs were dealt with. Harney disbursed the funds before all matters were addressed and he did not disclose to the other parties that he had done so.

Factors in determining the appropriate disciplinary action were Harney’s lengthy practice history and good reputation within the bar, the absence of any related professional conduct record, and the importance of a suspension rather than a fine for such significant breaches of trust conditions.

Written reasons for the hearing panel’s decision are available on the Law Society website.

-30-

For further information contact:

David Jordan
Communications Officer
604.443.5708
djordan@lsbc.org