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{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = lawyers}}
==First, talk or write to Understand your lawyer about the problemlegal rights==Problems with lawyers usually involve miscommunication, fees, delays, or misconduct. If you have trouble with your lawyer, talk to the lawyer right away. You may be able to solve the problem before it gets too bad or delays your case. If you have trouble talking about the problem, put it in writing—by email or letter. If you don’t understand the lawyer’s response, ask for a written explanation.
==File =You can complain about a complaint with the Law Societylawyer’s conduct===If talking to your lawyer doesn’t work, you can complain to The '''Law Society of BC''' regulates lawyers in British Columbia. Under the ''[httphttps://www.lawsocietycanlii.org/en/bc/laws/stat/sbc-1998-c-9/latest/sbc-1998-c-9.ca/ Law Societyhtml#sec3_smooth Legal Profession Act]'', its duty is to protect the organization that licenses all BC lawyerspublic interest. It protects the public does this by setting professional making sure lawyers:*are licensed and insured to practice law*meet standards of conduct and competence for lawyers. It also monitors, evaluates, and disciplines them. Its to help clients with their legal issues*follow [https://www.lawsociety.bc.ca/complaints-lawyer-disciplinesupport-and-publicresources-hearings/complaintsfor-en/ website section on complaints] explains the details, including [https://www.lawsociety.bc.calawyers/complaintsact-lawyerrules-disciplineand-andcode/code-publicof-hearings/complaints/howprofessional-toconduct-filefor-abritish-complaintcolumbia/ rules of conduct set by the Law Society] about how to file a complaint]. behave professionally
===If you have a problem with your lawyer’s bill=== The Law Society discipline hearings are like court hearings—Law Society staff present the case against the of BC does not regulate lawyers' fees. If you have a disagreement with your lawyer and over the lawyer gives his or her side amount of their fees, filing a complaint with the caseLaw Society will not resolve that dispute. There are other steps you can take, however. A hearing You can lead to any of the following results:*A reprimand (try a warning) of free '''mediation program''' offered by the Law Society to help you and your lawyerreach a settlement.*A fine up Or you can ask the court to '''review''' your lawyer’s bill to $20,000.*Conditions controlling how ensure the lawyer worksfees are reasonable.*Suspension of the lawyer from working as a lawyer or from working We explain these options in one or more areas of law our information on [[Lawyers' Fees (with or without conditionsScript 438) for a certain time|lawyers' fees (no.*Disbarment of the lawyer (meaning the lawyer cannot work as a lawyer438)]].
==What =Step 1. Discuss the Law Society cannot doproblem with your lawyer===The Law Society cannot:*give legal adviceWhen clients have problems with their lawyer, it often involves a lack of communication.*pay you money or order a If the problem is with your lawyer, start by '''discussing your concerns''' directly with the lawyer . You may be able to pay solve the problem by talking things through. If you moneyhave trouble talking about the problem, put it in writing, and send an email or letter.*change a court decision.*find that a lawyer was negligent or control what a lawyer does If you don’t understand the lawyer’s response, ask for them to explain in your casesimpler language.
====The complaint is assessed====The Law Society can apply first '''assesses''' whether to its board of directors for a review of a hearing verdict. Both the Law Society and investigate the lawyer can apply to the board for a review of a penaltycomplaint. The lawyer also has For example, they look at whether they have the right to appeal either a verdict or penalty authority to do something, and whether the BC Court of Appealinformation provided is substantial enough.
[updated March 2018]
'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by [https://www.gilchristlaw.com/team/ Steven Gjukich and edited by John Blois], Gilchrist & Company.'''
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