Vernon attorney Leonard Hil Marriott, previously barred from legal practice due to inappropriate interactions with elderly clients, has been discovered to have misused $117,000 belonging to a female client diagnosed with dementia. This revelation stems from a recent ruling by a tribunal of the Law Society of British Columbia, which equates misappropriation to theft. Marriott allegedly utilized the woman’s funds to purchase an apartment for himself and settle another client’s estate.
The tribunal’s decision highlights Marriott’s breach of fiduciary duty and misuse of his position for personal gain. Despite the findings, Marriott has not repaid the misappropriated sum. Last year, Marriott faced a 10-year ban from the Law Society for professional misconduct involving two other elderly clients.
The latest case involves an 84-year-old female client whom Marriott represented starting in 2017. By 2018, Marriott had obtained a power of attorney allowing him extensive control over her financial matters. In addition to the financial misconduct, Marriott orchestrated paperwork to claim a 50% stake in the client’s condo and designated himself as the executor of her will, entitled to 75% of her estate.
Although Marriott acknowledged most of the case’s facts, he attempted to justify the misused funds as an “improper withdrawal” rather than misappropriation. B.C. forensic accountant Marilyn Mellis mentioned that regulatory bodies like the Law Society lack authority to seek restitution for victims, leaving the responsibility to civil or criminal proceedings.
The woman’s family filed a civil suit three years ago, accusing Marriott of conspiring to divert her assets for personal gain. Marriott refuted the claims, asserting that he always acted in her best interests. The family has also petitioned the court to appoint them as the woman’s legal guardians. Following his ban in 2025, Marriott’s law practice was seized due to concerns over his control of solicitor trust accounts. Despite attempts to reach Marriott for comment, no response was received by CBC News.
