Law Society Complaints and Professional Discipline History

Omar Ha-Redeye spoke to CBC Radio syndicated across Canada on lawyer regulation and professional discipline.

From CBC’s Cathy Tomlinson:

Clients of two lawyers accused of serious misconduct are outraged over being kept in the dark about their lawyers’ records, which they said derailed their cases and cost them thousands…

The Federation of Law Societies of Canada is promising easier access to lawyer discipline records when reforms are brought in next year.

…

Federation statistics show there were more than 10,000 complaints filed against Canadian lawyers in 2012. That same year, 60 were suspended and 42 disbarred.

 

Omar emphasized that the vast majority of lawyers are highly ethical and competent, and these cases were the exception, not the norm.  Lawyers should not be suspended, he said, simply because there are allegations of misconduct, as the vast majority of complaints are resolved amicably.

He indicated that the public can find out more about a lawyer from their friends and family members who may have had experiences, but they can also turn online to use a variety of resources.  One of the best sources for exploring a lawyer’s reputation is their involvement with volunteer organizations like the Canadian Bar Association (CBA).  Because of their volunteer nature they tend to attract the best and most amicable members of the bar.

Omar also challenged the notion of what is a “good” lawyer.  He noted that in the emotional turmoil of litigation, many clients often think that the best lawyer is the one who is most aggressive and assertive.  He indicated that this approach typically only increased the expense for both sides and draws out cases far longer than they need to.  A civil and professional lawyer is what will best assist most members of the public.

Lawyer directories can be a good starting point to get a sense of what type of services a lawyer offers.  One emerging trend is an increased demand for flat fees and unbundled services, which can provide more cost-effective and predictable legal services.  Some of these directories highlight which lawyers are flexible with their fee arrangements.

Omar spoke across country to the following stations:

What if the lawyer you hire later turns out to be the subject of client complaints? @OmarHaRedeye on how to protect ourselves. @cbcgopublic

— Lisa Laco (@morningshowlisa) September 15, 2014

What if the lawyer you hire later turns out to be the subject of client complaints? @OmarHaRedeye on how to protect ourselves. @cbcgopublic

— CBC Superior Morning (@CBCSuperiorMorn) September 15, 2014

@OmarHaRedeye great job on Metro Morning!

— David Valentin (@davidvalentin) September 15, 2014

What if the lawyer you hire, later turns out to be the subject of client complaints? At 640, @OmarHaRedeye on how to protect yourself. #sl

— Windsor Morning (@WindsorMorning) September 15, 2014

What if the lawyer you hire, later turns out to be the subject of client complaints? @OmarHaRedeye on how to protect ourselves. (8:50)

— Central Morning Show (@centralmorning) September 15, 2014