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Difference between revisions of "Complaints against Lawyers (5:XII)"
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Complaints against Lawyers (5:XII) (view source)
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{{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = complaints}} | {{LSLAP Manual TOC|expanded = complaints}} | ||
The Law Society of British Columbia is the regulatory body for the legal profession in British Columbia. They have authority to review the conduct and competence of lawyers practicing in BC, including lawyers in private practice, legal aid lawyers, government lawyers and Crown prosecutors. | |||
Prior to lodging a complaint, a client should first talk to the lawyer or another member of the lawyer's firm about the issue. If speaking directly with the lawyer fails, a complaint may be filed. This can be done by filling out a Complaint Form and emailing it to professionalconduct@lsbc.org. Alternatively, the Complaint Form can be sent by Canada Post or courier to the following address: | |||
::Attention: Intake Officer, Professional Conduct | ::Attention: Intake Officer, Professional Conduct | ||
::Law Society of British Columbia | ::Law Society of British Columbia | ||
::845 Cambie Street | ::845 Cambie Street | ||
::Vancouver | ::Vancouver BC V6B 4Z9 | ||
The | The link to the Complaint Form is as follows: https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/Website/media/Shared/docs/forms/ProfCon/Complaint.pdf | ||
After receiving the complaint, the Law Society will send back a letter advising that they have received the complaint. It will be reviewed and assigned to a staff lawyer, who may request further information, including supporting documents, before commencing an investigation. | |||
The Law Society discipline hearings are similar to court hearings. A hearing can lead to a reprimand of the lawyer, a fine up to $20,000, conditions set upon the lawyer, suspension of the lawyer, or disbarment of the lawyer. Law Society decisions are not always final and can be appealed. | The Law Society discipline hearings are similar to court hearings. A hearing can lead to a reprimand of the lawyer, a fine up to $20,000, conditions set upon the lawyer, suspension of the lawyer, or disbarment of the lawyer. Law Society decisions are not always final and can be appealed. | ||
