January 12, 2026

The Law Society alleged that Antonio Franco De Bartolo, 2006, of Mississauga, engaged in professional misconduct.

The panel determined that the following allegations were established:

• The respondent failed to act with honour and integrity, with respect to Client A and B contrary to Rule 2.1-1 of the Rules of Professional Conduct (the Rules).
• The respondent used his trust account for purposes unrelated to the provision of legal services, contrary to By-Law 9, s 8(2)(3) and Rule 3.2-7 of the Rules.

The panel orders:

1. The respondent’s licence to practise law is revoked, effective immediately.
2. The respondent shall comply fully with the terms of the Law Society’s Guidelines for Former Lawyers Whose Licences Have Been Revoked or Who Have Been Permitted to Surrender Their Licences.
3. The respondent shall pay to the Law Society’s Compensation Fund any amount paid by the Fund after the date of this order in relation to any claims by Client A and B.
4. The respondent shall pay costs to the Law Society in the amount of $60,000 in three equal installments of $20,000:
   1. The first installment by February 11, 2026;
   2. The second installment by January 12, 2027; and
   3. the third installment by January 12, 2028.

Interest shall accrue on any overdue part of these costs at a rate of 4% per year.

(Representatives for the Law Society, Elaine Strosberg & Tomilayo Ojuile / Representative for the Lawyer, Ben ElzingaCheng)