The LSBC Tribunal is an independent decision-making body. It manages, considers and decides disciplinary cases involving legal professionals and contentious licensing applications of people seeking to practise law in British Columbia.

Go to the LSBC Tribunal website

Discipline hearings

Discipline hearings are similar to court hearings. The allegations against the lawyer are set out in a public document called a citation. The decision to authorize a citation and hold a hearing before the LSBC Tribunal is made by the Discipline Committee. Hearings comprise two phases: (1) facts and determination, and (2) disciplinary action.

Both the Discipline Committee and the lawyer who is the subject of a hearing have the right to apply for a review of a hearing panel's decision. The lawyer also has the right to appeal the determination, the disciplinary action, or both, to the BC Court of Appeal.

Licensing hearings

Licensing hearings are ordered when the Credentials Committee has concerns about an applicant’s character or fitness to practise law in BC. Panels issue written reasons for their decisions. Effective September 2018, licensing decisions do not generally identify the applicant.

Both the Credentials Committee and the applicant have the right to apply for a review of a hearing panel's decision. The applicant also has the right to appeal the decision to the BC Court of Appeal.

Resources

For more information about the discipline and licensing hearings processes, schedules and decisions, see:

The Law Society urges all lawyers who are or may be subject to discipline proceedings to retain counsel. It has compiled a list of lawyers who have agreed to represent lawyers during the investigation and disciplinary processes. Download the list of counsel