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.

DO YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A CANADIAN LAWYER?

The law societies dismiss about 90% of the complaints they get.

Please contact your local Law Society. Links are in the menu above.

Your lawyer complaint must be signed and in writing.

You will be treated as second class. They will prefer the word of the lawyer over yours.

While the law societies are not to be trusted, complaining to them is the only way to get a problem heard. But your chances of an honest and fair hearing are slim and none.

The Law Society is "authorized" to deal with your complaint. They seldom do act. Lawyers get away with outrageous and even criminal conduct.

Disbarred lawyers are often reinstated. So what is the use of complaining?

Law societies have a monopoly and supposedly are responsible for "making sure that their members practice law competently and ethically."

Generally the lawyer you are complaining about cannot come after you for complaining to the law society. But do not broadcast your complaint to the world or you will probably face a defamation action.

Why complaining about a lawyer to a law society is usually futile? 90% of all complaints are tossed out.