| RETAINING A LAWYER
 Check with CanLaw to see if we have any complaints on file. Read CanLaw's Advice on How to Hire a Lawyer
Here is our list of Lawyers in New Brunswick Questions you should ask of both the Law Society and the lawyer before you retain any New Brunswick lawyer.
- Check that s/he is in good standing with the Law Society of New Brunswick.
Tel: (506) 458-8540
Email: Check out lawyer
Fax: (506) 451-1421.
- 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.
A lawyer fails to tell you what's happening in your case.
A lawyer does not reply to your phone calls or letters.
A lawyer is working for opposing sides in the same case.
A lawyer has told other people about a client's confidential matters without the client's permission.
A lawyer is working for a client against someone who used to be a client.
A lawyer's cheque is returned NSF.
A lawyer acts for a client when the lawyer is in business with the client.
A lawyer is rude.
A lawyer does not appear to be able to handle your case, whether through lack of knowledge or other problems.
A lawyer fails to account for funds held on the client's behalf.
A lawyer has stolen your money.
A lawyer is facing criminal charges.
The Society's Discipline Reports are available online They can provide a great deal of useful information and leads to assist you.
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TO FILE COMPLAINTS:
Please go to to review the complaint procedures.
KNOW THE RULES. IT WILL HELP YOUR COMPLAINT!
The Code of Professional Conduct for the New Brunswick can be obtained from the Society's web site. Use and read the Code to help organize your complaint. It is better if you can say that the lawyer violated rule # xxx by doing what she did or did not do. This organizes your material and shows you have done your homework. HINT: Keep your complaint calm and rational. Avoid name calling, abuse and threats. Try to stick to the facts and avoid all emotion. It isn't easy, but it is smart.
HISTORY OF COMPLAINTS IN New BrunswickThere are about 1188 practicing full and part time lawyer/members of the NB Law Society. Complaints run about 95 a year. The NB Law Society refused to cooperate or supply these figures and we had to obtain them elsewhere. Most Law Societies will not tell you if they have complaints against a lawyer unless s/he has been "convicted" in an internal discipline hearing. However, of all the complaints received only about ten percent will ever get as far as a discipline hearing in New Brunswick. The rest will be dismissed or closed at the preliminary stages
You may be better off to sue the lawyer for breach of contract.
Most complaints to any Law Society are dismissed. Most complaints are simply frivolous and few have any real merit. Complaints should be filed on the slight chance that they will have an impact. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION CONTACT:
Requests for information under the Freedom of Information Statutes must be answered within 30 days. Although the law societies are not bound by these statutes, most will comply and fill your requests. |
