A hearing panel of the Law Society tribunal has ordered the suspension of Kamloops lawyer Jeremy Daniel Knight for a minimum of 16 months, effective immediately.

In a statement, the Law Society of B.C. says the panel determined that Knight committed professional misconduct by misappropriating retainer and/or disbursements funds in relation to two of his clients. They say he used that money “for a purpose he knew was not authorized by his client.”

“The panel also determined that Knight failed to comply with his trust accounting obligations concerning the handling of either or both of his client retainer and disbursement funds, including failing to deposit the funds into a trust account, depositing funds into his personal bank account before rendering a bill for legal services, and failing to record all funds received and disbursed,” a statement released on Tuesday said.

They say the minimum 16-month suspension and additional conditions was a result of the “intentional nature” of Knight’s conduct, his acknowledgement of his misconduct, and the steps he has taken to address his addictions to alcohol, cocaine and gambling.

“Before Knight may practice law again, he must appear a board of examiners appointed by the hearing panel or the Practice Standards Committee and satisfy it that his competence to practice law is not affected by a substance abuse problem,” the Law Society statement added.

“He will remain subject to practice restrictions until he is relieved of them by the Discipline Committee.”

You can read the written reasons on facts and determination and disciplinary action online.

Law Society suspends Kamloops lawyer Jeremy Daniel Knight https://t.co/iRVbAc8t0X

— Law Society of BC (@LawSocietyofBC) September 7, 2021