CanLaw: About Your Law Society
Where can I file a complaint
against a lawyer?
COMPLAINTS?
Page Current as of
COMPLAINT ABOUT YOUR LAWYER or PARALEGAL?
HOW, WHERE, WHEN AND
WHY TO FILE A COMPLAINT.
What you should know about how your complaint against a lawyer or paralegal will be treated by the law societies in Canada.
The Law Society cannot pay you money or
make a lawyer or paralegal pay you money because of his or her mistake.
How do I complain to my law society?
Lawyer Complaints?
What is considered a complaint?
YOU PROBABLY HAVE A
VALID COMPLAINT IF:
- A lawyer fails to tell you what's happening in your case.
- A lawyer does not reply to your phone calls or letters.
- A lawyer is working for opposing sides in the same case.
- A lawyer has told other people about a client's confidential matters without the client's permission.
- A lawyer is working for a client against someone who used to be a client.
- A lawyer's cheque is returned NSF.
- A lawyer acts for a client when the lawyer is in business with the client.
- A lawyer is rude.
- If a lawyer lied to me.
- A lawyer does not appear to be able to handle your case, whether through lack of knowledge or other problems.
- A lawyer fails to account for funds held on the client's behalf.
- A lawyer has stolen your money.
- A lawyer is facing criminal charges.
- TRANSPARENCY REGARDING FEES. A lawyer has a responsibility to disclose to the client at the start of the relationship the basis on which the client is to be billed for both the lawyer’s fees and any other charges in a clear transparent manner that the client can understand.
- Lawyers and Students-at-Law are required to uphold a high standard of conduct in their professional and personal lives.
MENU
KNOW THE RULES
IT WILL HELP YOUR COMPLAINT!
- Review the Code of Professional Conduct for the Law Society which can be obtained from the Society's web site. Use and read the Code to help organize your complaint.
- You can find links to each of the law society rules by using the MENU ABOUT YOUR LAW SOCIETY button above to go to the law society page for your province.
- It is better if you can say that the lawyer violated rule # xxx by doing what she did or did not do.
- This organizes your material and shows you have done your homework.
- HINT: Keep your complaint calm and rational. Avoid name calling, abuse and threats.
- Try to stick to the facts and avoid all emotion. It isn't easy, but it is smart.
Most complaints to any Law Society are dismissed. Most complaints are simply frivolous and few have any real merit. Complaints should be filed on the slight chance that they will have an impact.
Law Societies generally dismiss most of the complaints they get against lawyers. You also need to know if there are any complaints against any paralegal or lawyer, any discipline history, any bad reviews and if they are in good standing.
Use CanLaw for honest, objective, free referrals. Many lawyers accept legal aid, some offer a free half hour and a few take on pro bono cases
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR LEGAL AID?
Need Free Legal Advice Can't afford a lawyer or paralegal?
Legal Aid assists low income persons accused of serious criminal offences who are facing jail sentences, and for youths charged, anywhere in Canada.
Click here to see how to apply for legal aid In the Yukon
- When you need to find a lawyer or law office or paralegal do a reference check. Ask CanLaw about lawyer reviews and make sure a lawyer has a good reputation, no discipline history with any law society such as the LSO, and are in good standing.
- Rate lawyer? Ask a lawyer "near me" if they offer pro bono service, accept legal aid or provide legal advice in a free consultation before you retain or hire any lawyer.
- But be reasonable. Lawyers have to pay their bills and deserve to be fairly paid for their work.
- For fast results check the free online CanLaw Directory of lawyers or use our free referral service.
Browse the Free
CanLaw
National Directory
lists lawyers and paralegals licensed by their Law Society.
Search our directory by name, city, postal code, area of law, CanLaw Lawyer Directory
DID YOU KNOW?
Most disbarred lawyers are readmitted to practice law.
Most "sentences" imposed on a lawyer are nothing more than a modest fine with years to pay.
About the Law Society of Alberta
About the Law Society of Saskatchewan
About the Law Society of Manitoba
About the Law Society of Ontario
About the Law Society of Upper Canada
About the Law Society of Quebec
About the Law Society of New Brunswick
About the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador
About the Law Society of Nova Scotia
About the Law Society of Prince Edward Island
About the Law Society of Yukon
