Calgary Lawyer Suspended for Forgery and Abuse

A Calgary lawyer, Hardeep Sangha, has been handed a six-month suspension and a $38,039 fine following a scathing decision by the Law Society of Alberta (LSA). Sangha’s actions, including forgery, financial misconduct, and an abusive pattern of behaviour toward employees and clients, led the LSA to describe his conduct as creating a “toxic work environment” and fostering a “reign of terror.” The case has also been referred to Alberta’s Attorney General, given the criminal implications of Sangha’s actions.

Unprofessional Conduct and Forgery

Sangha’s misconduct included directing an employee to falsify a revocation of power of attorney document and filing it at the Land Titles Office. He also commissioned a knowingly false affidavit in an effort to cover up his failure to properly register a mortgage for over a year. The panel found that these actions not only demonstrated a lack of integrity but were also undertaken for Sangha’s personal benefit, making them especially egregious.

In addition to his forgery-related misconduct, Sangha withdrew funds from his trust account before issuing client invoices, breaching the LSA’s trust accounting rules. He further misled several clients about the progress of their cases, providing false updates and filing fabricated court documents.

‘Reign of Terror’ in the Workplace

Perhaps most shocking were the allegations of Sangha’s abusive behaviour toward articling students and employees. The LSA’s decision highlighted his “particularly offensive and abusive comments,” which left staff feeling intimidated and fearful. Witnesses testified that Sangha’s erratic conduct ranged from verbal abuse to requests for violent demonstrations of loyalty.

The toxic environment was exacerbated by Sangha’s exploitation of the significant power imbalance between himself and his staff, particularly during the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. One witness described fearing for her physical safety, underscoring the severity of his misconduct.

Mitigating and Aggravating Factors

The LSA acknowledged some mitigating factors, including Sangha’s cooperation during parts of the investigation and his previously clean disciplinary record. However, these were outweighed by significant aggravating factors: the extended period over which the misconduct occurred, the deliberate and calculated nature of his actions, and his lack of genuine remorse. Sangha’s failure to apologize directly to those affected further compounded the gravity of his actions.

In his submissions, Sangha argued for a reduced suspension of six weeks, citing his partial cooperation and the absence of prior disciplinary issues. The panel rejected this, noting that his conduct demanded a strong denunciation to protect public confidence in the legal profession.

Referral to the Attorney General

The LSA found reasonable grounds to believe Sangha’s actions constituted criminal offenses, particularly regarding the forgery and false affidavit. Consequently, the matter has been referred to the Attorney General of Alberta for further investigation and potential prosecution under section 366 of the Criminal Code.

Implications for the Legal Profession

This case highlights the critical importance of ethical conduct in the legal profession. Lawyers are entrusted with significant power and responsibility, and Sangha’s case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of abusing that trust. His actions not only harmed his clients and employees but also undermined the integrity of the legal system itself.

Conclusion

The suspension and financial penalty imposed on Sangha reflect the seriousness of his misconduct and the need to maintain public confidence in the legal profession. By referring the matter for potential criminal charges, the LSA has underscored its commitment to accountability. This case stands as a warning to legal practitioners about the severe consequences of unethical and abusive behaviour. For the public and legal professionals alike, it serves as a sobering reminder of the standards required to uphold the honour of the profession.