| 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 Newfoundland Questions you should ask of both the Law Society and the lawyer before you retain any Newfoundland lawyer.
- Check that s/he is in good standing with
The Law Society Of Newfoundland & Labrador & Labrador.
196-198 Water Street
St. John's, NL A1C 1A9
Tel: (709) 722-4740
Email: Check out lawyer
Fax: (709) 722-8902.
- 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.
The Society's Discipline Process guidelines 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 review the complaint procedures.
KNOW THE RULES. IT WILL HELP YOUR COMPLAINT!
The Code of Professional Conduct for the Newfoundland Law Society 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 NewfoundlandThere are about 1550 practicing full and part time lawyer/members of the NF Law Society. Refer to their Annual Reports for the latest information on discipline hearings.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 Newfoundland. The rest will be dismissed or closed at the preliminary stages
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. |
