News Release
May 25, 2011

Vancouver – Recent reports from the Complainants’ Review Committee and the BC Office of the Ombudsperson are being welcomed as important indicators of the Law Society’s ability to handle complaints about lawyers.

Both consider requests from people unhappy with their complaints about lawyers being dismissed by the Law Society following investigations. In 2010, the Complainants’ Review Committee considered 104 complaints and closed 94 without further action against the lawyers. Of the remaining 10 complaints, four were referred for further disciplinary or remedial action and six cases were closed after it was determined the Law Society had made the appropriate assessment. The Law Society received three requests for responses from the Office of the Ombudsperson in 2010; they were closed as either settled or not substantiated.

“We welcome the internal and external reviews offered by the Complainants’ Review Committee and the Office of the Ombudsperson” said Law Society president Gavin Hume, QC. “They help make sure the Law Society is doing its job properly and in the public interest.”

Each year the Law Society receives approximately 1,200 complaints against lawyers. More information about complaints and requesting a review of a complaint dismissal.

The Law Society of British Columbia regulates the more than 10,000 lawyers in the province, setting and enforcing standards of professional conduct that ensure the public is well-served by a competent, honourable legal profession.

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For further information or to arrange an interview contact:

Lesley Pritchard
Communications Officer
604.443.5708
lpritchard@lsbc.org

Robyn Crisanti
Manager, Communications and Public Affairs
604.697.5845
rcrisanti@lsbc.org