A matter is referred to the Professional Standards
Committee Chair/Vice-Chair by Complaints Counsel as the result of a
complaint or by meeting the requirements of the
Practice Review Program. The majority of complaints
referred to the Professional Standards Committee have poor file and
office management at the root of the problem. The primary function
of the Professional Standards Committee is to ensure that the
standards of competency are upheld. This is not a disciplinary
function, but rather educational and supportive, to ensure that
lawyers bring adequate skills and knowledge to the practice of
law.
Upon review of the matter, the Chair/Vice-Chair may
recommend one of the following course of action:
-
That the matter be referred to the Discipline
Committee;
-
That the matter be referred to a Professional
Standards Investigation Committee;
-
That a law office management review of the lawyer's
practice be conducted;
-
That no further action should be taken with respect
to the matter.
If an Investigation Committee is appointed and/or a
law office management review is conducted, the Investigation
Committee will investigate the complaint to determine if it is
well-founded. If the complaint is well-founded and has
resulted from practice management issues, the Investigation
Committee will make recommendations to improve the lawyer's
practice and work with the lawyer to implement these
recommendations.
