Lawyer Complaints?

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.
• 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
• Lawyers and Students-at-Law are required to uphold a high standard of conduct in their professional and personal lives.

Choose CanLaw's Find a Lawyer Referral Services over the Law Society of Yukon

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMPLAIN?

A copy of your complaint and any documents you provide will you provide will be sent to the lawyer. The lawyer is required to respond within 30 days of receipt of the complaint.

The Chair of the Law Society Discipline Committee will review both parties' letters and decide whether to dismiss the complaint or order an investigation.  Depending on the results of an investigation, the Chair of the Discipline Committee may direct that a hearing

Matters proceeding to inquiry are unproven allegations, which have not yet been the subject of a hearing to determine validity.

RETAINING A LAWYER WARNING: YUKON LAW SOCIETY REFERRALS ARE NOT WHAT YOU EXPECT:

Yukon Law Society referrals are based on 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.

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. The system stinks.