Law Society of Saskatchewan
The Law Society has review processes available if you disagree with a decision made by a Law Society employee or officer. For example, a decision by Professional Responsibility Counsel to not take further action on a complaint against a lawyer or limited licensee.
If you have already requested a review and still disagree with the outcome, or if your concern relates to a decision or an action by the Law Society outside of the complaints process, you may apply to the court for judicial review of the decision. To pursue a judicial review, you may wish to get legal advice.
Common Questions
Decisions that can be reviewed include those made by Professional Responsibility Counsel to dismiss a complaint. For example, if the complaint was dismissed because it is found to have been made for an improper purpose, or does not raise an issue of conduct or competence.
Decisions that cannot be reviewed include:
- Issuing a formal caution or referring the matter for a practice review.
- A decision to refer, or a decision by a committee like the Conduct Investigation Committee, Competency Committee or Ethics Committee.
See Rule 1104 of the Law Society of Saskatchewan Rules for more information.
If you are entitled to a review, you will have been provided with information about the process in the decision letter sent by the Law Society. You must apply in writing within 30 days of the date on the decision letter. You do not need to provide reasons for your review request. If you seek a review, your file will be forwarded to the Complaints Review Commissioner, who will communicate with you after that.
After reviewing the complaint and the dismissal, the Complaints Review Commissioner will take one of these actions:
- Confirm that the dismissal decision was reasonable.
- Forward your complaint to either the Ethics, Competency or Conduct Investigation Committee for further review and direction.
To find legal assistance, see the Finding Legal Assistance page on the Law Society website.