New Westminster lawyer Michael Saul Menkes suspended for one month

In a joint submission to a Law Society Tribunal hearing panel, Menkes admitted that over the course of several transactions occurring on one day, he improperly withdrew and deposited client trust funds into his personal account, and mishandled client trust funds by transferring the funds to the firm’s trust “float” account when he was not entitled to the funds and had not delivered a bill to his clients. Menkes also failed to deposit funds directly to the firm’s general account when the funds were purportedly withdrawn for the payment of fees.

In accepting the joint submission, the hearing panel considered an Agreed Statement of Facts and Menkes’ letter of admission. The panel took note of health issues that Menkes was experiencing at the time of his misconduct and his professional conduct record, which shows a history of disciplinary issues. 

The lawyer’s suspension begins on April 15, 2025. 

The full decision of the hearing panel can be read here.