A lawyer in Vernon, previously barred from practicing due to improper actions with elderly clients, has been found guilty of embezzling $117,000 from a female client diagnosed with dementia. The recent ruling against Leonard Hil Marriott was issued in a September 24 decision by the Law Society of British Columbia tribunal, defining the act as akin to theft.
According to the tribunal’s decision, Marriott used the client’s funds to purchase an apartment for himself and settle another client’s estate. Despite being obligated to act in the client’s best interest, Marriott’s actions were deemed a breach of loyalty and a misuse of his position for personal gain.
Marriott has not repaid the misappropriated funds. The latest case involves a third client, an 84-year-old woman whom Marriott began representing in 2017. Notably, Marriott orchestrated paperwork to claim a 50% stake in the woman’s condo, valued at nearly $400,000 at the time, and designated himself as the executor and beneficiary of 75% of her estate in a will he drafted for her.
While acknowledging the woman’s dementia, Marriott defended his actions, citing a close relationship with her. Despite admitting to most facts in the case, he unsuccessfully argued for a lesser offense classification, claiming the $117,000 was an improper withdrawal rather than misappropriation.
Forensic accountant Marilyn Mellis remarked that regulatory findings, like those of the Law Society, typically do not lead to criminal charges, leaving victims frustrated. Mellis noted that pursuing criminal action in white-collar crime cases is rare, and the responsibility for seeking restitution falls to the courts in civil or criminal proceedings.
Three years ago, the woman’s family initiated a civil suit alleging Marriott conspired to divert her funds and gain control of her assets. Marriott denied these allegations, asserting he acted in the client’s best interest. The family has also petitioned to become the woman’s legal guardians, a matter pending in court.
Following his 10-year ban in 2025, Marriott’s law practice was seized by the Law Society due to continued control over solicitor trust accounts. Despite attempts to contact Marriott for comment, he did not respond to CBC News.