Toronto Attorney Disbarred After Embezzling Millions from Clients Over Ten Years

A prominent real estate lawyer in Toronto has been officially disbarred following her admission to the misappropriation of client funds involving homebuyers and sellers throughout southern Ontario. Her fraudulent conduct spanned nearly a decade, shaking confidence in legal fiduciary duties.

unveiling Extensive Financial fraud During Law Society Investigation

The law Society revoked Singa Bui’s license after an exhaustive hearing presented more than 2,000 pages of irrefutable evidence demonstrating that she systematically withdrew millions from her firm’s trust account. The investigation uncovered not only theft but also the deliberate creation of counterfeit bank documents aimed at hiding these illegal withdrawals.

The embezzled funds supported a lavish lifestyle marked by upscale home renovations, luxury fashion purchases, private schooling for her children, and extravagant vacations-highlighting one of the most serious ethical violations recorded within Ontario’s legal profession.

Scale of Losses and Client Impact

Bui’s misconduct directly harmed at least 13 clients with total losses surpassing $12 million. Even though insurance claims have reimbursed over $6 million to victims, more than half remains unrecovered. The Law Society continues to provide compensation through its assurance fund but expects further payouts exceeding $500,000 as investigations proceed.

Manipulation of Financial Records: Forged Bank Statements Concealed Theft

The inquiry revealed how Bui falsified financial statements during a routine audit in August 2022 conducted by the Law Society of Ontario at Cartel & Bui LLP-a now-defunct law firm co-owned with her husband. She submitted altered bank records omitting over 50 transactions totaling upwards of $350,000.

These transactions were disguised as legitimate expenses such as childcare fees or credit card payments but were actually personal withdrawals used to mask ongoing embezzlement until complaints emerged in April 2023.

The Critical Role and Regulation Surrounding Trust Accounts

Trust accounts serve as strictly regulated repositories designed exclusively for client funds separate from law firms’ operational finances. Violating this separation breaches fiduciary responsibilities basic to maintaining client trust and undermines core legal ethics governing lawyers’ conduct nationwide.

Legal Ramifications Beyond license Revocation

• Singa Bui faces 42 criminal charges including fraud over $5,000, criminal breach of trust, and possession of proceeds obtained through crime.
• Nicholas Cartel-Bui-her husband and former partner specializing primarily in class action lawsuits-is charged with one count related to fraud exceeding $5,000; his disciplinary hearings are pending without scheduled dates yet.

Court Actions Demonstrate Swift Enforcement Measures

The tribunal panel swiftly revoked Bui’s license within minutes after reviewing comprehensive evidence submitted by regulatory counsel. Additionally, she was ordered to pay costs amounting to $100,000 alongside reimbursing victim compensation already disbursed by oversight bodies involved in this case.

Broader Implications: Strengthening Legal Ethics Enforcement Nationwide

“Cases like this highlight how breaches in fiduciary duty can cause devastating financial harm while eroding public confidence in justice systems,” noted an ethics expert familiar with similar incidents across Canada.
(For instance: Recent data shows that lawyer-related financial misconduct cases increased approximately 18% across major Canadian provinces last year.)

Seizure of Luxury Assets Reflects Extravagant Spending Patterns During Investigation

Conclusion: Maintaining Integrity is Essential Within Legal Practice

This disbarment serves as a powerful reminder that violations involving misuse of client assets carry severe professional and legal consequences. It underscores ongoing challenges regulators face ensuring transparency amid complex financial operations within law firms managing real estate transactions valued at billions annually across Canada’s largest cities like toronto.