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.

HISTORY OF COMPLAINTS IN Manitoba

There are about 1550 practicing full and part time lawyer/members of the Law Society of Manitoba. Complaints run about 165 a year.

Most Law Societies will not tell you if they have complaints against a lawyer unless s/he has been "convicted" in an internal discipline hearing. However, of all the complaints received only about ten percent will ever get as far as a discipline hearing in Manitoba. The rest will be dismissed or closed at the preliminary stages

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.