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.

A NEW BRUNSWICK LAWYER LAW SOCIETY REFERRAL MAY NOT BE WHAT YOU EXPECT:

New Brunswick Law Society referrals are a gamble, based on a next olive out of the jar system A bored telephone clerk asking you where you want a lawyer. She then looks at her list and takes the name of the next lawyer whose turn has come up.  You get one name when you should be talking to a few lawyers before you choose one.

There is no checking of skills, suitability or experience. Lawyers using law societies referrals pay a fee and when it is their turn they get the referral.