Lawyer Regulation
Discipline Process
Investigation Stage
If Complaints Counsel (or the Ethics or Professional Standards
Committee) determines that the matter presents an issue for
discipline, the matter will be referred to the Conduct
Investigation Committee.
The Conduct Investigation Committee will review and/or build
upon the investigation conducted by Complaints Counsel with a view
of determining what measures should be taken. Ultimately, the
Conduct Investigation Committee will make one of the following
directions to the Chair of the Discipline Committee:
- That formal charges be brought against the lawyer;
- That the matter be referred to either the Ethics
or Professional Standards Committee for either
Committee's review;
- That a Conduct Review Committee be appointed;
or
- That no further action should be taken with respect to the
matter.
Conduct Review
If a Conduct Review Committee is appointed, experienced members
of the Law Society will review the lawyer's conduct in the matter.
The lawyer will be asked to appear in person with the Committee to
discuss the matter, the lawyer's conduct and how similar situations
could be handled in the future. A list of Conduct Reviews can
be found on our Conduct
Review Database.
Hearing Stage
If the Conduct Investigation Committee directs to the Chair of
the Discipline Committee that formal charges be brought against the
lawyer, the lawyer will face a hearing. Please note that
disciplinary hearings are open to the public. The charges that the
lawyer will face are set out in the Formal Complaint. A list of
past and current Formal Complaints, Notices of Hearings and
Disciplinary Decisions can be found on our Disciplinary
Proceedings database.
Please also note that the complainant may be called upon to
provide further information in advance of the hearing, or in other
cases, to testify in person.
