Penticton lawyer facing more allegations from Law Society

PENTICTON – A Penticton lawyer faces a disciplinary hearing as a result of allegations in a citation by the Law Society of B.C.

The Law Society alleges Charles Louis Albas borrowed $485,000 and $300,000 from two clients in October 2005 and in April 2006 respectively, when he had a direct or indirect interest in a mortgage for which the money was being borrowed.

It also alleges in August 2009, Albas failed to disclose prior offers for purchase of land owned by a company belonging to Albas that was in foreclosure. The citation also accuses Albas of failing to disclose facts concerning an application made approving the sale of property owned by his company contrary to professional conduct rules in force at the time.

Albas is also accused of misleading opposing counsel about completing a court approved sale when Albas knew it would not because of his failure to disclose information about a deposit that had not been paid. He also wrote a letter to opposing counsel advising he had been motivating the purchaser to complete the sale when he had not been in contact with the purchaser at all.

Finally, the citation charges Albas with failing to notify the Law Society of British Columbia in writing regarding the circumstances surrounding a number of unsatisfied financial judgements against him.

Albas will face the Law Society of B.C.’s discipline committee at a disciplinary hearing. All allegations against him are unproven until a hearing panel has determined their validity.

Charles Albas faced difficulties with the Law Society of B.C. earlier this year after he wrote himself and his wife into a client’s will.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.