How to  File a Complaint about a

Prince Edward Island Lawyer

How do you file a complaint

with the PEI Law Society?

If you have a complaint about a lawyer which you want the  Prince Edward Island Law Society to investigate, you must first write a signed original letter of complaint to the Law Society clearly outlining the problem.

Attach a copy of any documents that relate to your complaint. Do not send original documents, send copies only.

Be factual. Avoid name calling and invective.

Give a brief description of the events that have occurred and on what dates.

The complaint should cover the following:

• Who is the lawyer? – You must name the lawyer. Complaints against law firms are not accepted.
• What did he/she do or fail to do?
• Where did it happen?
• When did it happen? – There is no time limit for filing a complaint.
• Why do you think it happened?
• What do you see an appropriate resolution or remedy?

Be sure to include the lawyer's full contact information.

You must include your name, address and phone number.

Send the letter outlining the situation, along with copies of any supporting documents, to:

 Law Society of P.E.I.

P.O. Box 128

49 Water Street,

Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2

Telephone: (902) 566-1666

FAX: (902) 368-7557

lawsociety@lspei.pe.ca

 

For more details see the complaints section of the PEI Law Society Click Here

Your letter starts the PEI discipline process. It has three stages:

1. An exchange of letters and other documents between you and the PEI law society
2. An investigation by a discipline committee
3. A formal hearing by a second discipline committee.

Do not hold your breath. The process can be very slow before your complaint is dismissed.

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE RETAINING ANY LAWYER

Questions you should ask of both the Law Society and the lawyer before you 'retain any PEI lawyer

Check with CanLaw to see if

we have any complaints on file

 

• Ask when s/he was admitted to the Bar. (This will tell you how long they have been in practice.)
• Ask if s/he specializes in the area of law you in which you require assistance.
• What specialist training or  certification does s/he have?
•  Ask how many similar cases s/he has handled? How many were won.
• Ask if s/he has ever been disbarred, suspended, or disciplined by any Law Society anywhere.
• Ask if she has been the subject of fee reviews.
• Ask if any complaints have been made against her (regardless of the outcome) to the Law Society.
• Check that s/he is in good standing with the Law Society of Prince Edward Island

PEI Lawyer Referrals

WARNING: PEI LAW SOCIETY REFERRALS ARE NOT WHAT YOU EXPECT:

Prince Edward Island Law Society lawyer referrals only give you one lawyer who is the next one on the list whose turn has come up.

 

There is no checking of skills, suitability or experience. Lawyers using law societies referrals pay a fee and when it is their turn they get the referral. The system stinks.

 

Choose CanLaw Find a Lawyer Referral Services over the Prince Edward Island Law Society