how to file a complaint against the lawyer in frivolous law suite in canada legal system

by Alda Rodriguez 8 min read

The complaint process is relatively straightforward: 1) The person making the complaint completes the complaint form, ensuring to provide: Their name and contact information The lawyer’s name and address

Full Answer

Do you have a complaint against a Canadian lawyer?

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. DO YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A CANADIAN LAWYER? The law societies dismiss about 90% of the complaints they get. Please contact your local Law Society.

Can a lawyer represent a client with a frivolous lawsuit?

There are federal rules and state statutes that sanction attorneys for representing clients with frivolous claims. Legal vehicles, such a motion to dismiss, can also quickly dispose of baseless lawsuits before you even have to answer the complaint. article continues after advertisement

Can a court order sanctions against a client for frivolous complaints?

Of significance, § 128.7 authorizes sanctions only against counsel in most cases, as it is directly related to the attorney’s verification of pleadings. However, the court can order sanctions against the client in the event that it finds that the client caused a frivolous complaint.

Why do people file frivolous lawsuits?

Even if the case is meritless, the defendant has to expend time, energy, and financial resources to have the case dismissed. What’s more, the defendant’s reputation might be tarnished if people hear about the lawsuit and assume it’s legitimate. For these reasons, frivolous lawsuits are often used by plaintiffs as a way to harass defendants.

How do I report a bad lawyer in Canada?

If you feel that your lawyer did not do their job properly or behaved unprofessionally, you can make a complaint to the Law Society of Ontario (LSO). The LSO can investigate your complaint and can discipline your lawyer, if necessary. The LSO cannot help with every type of complaint.

How do I make a complaint to the Department of justice in Canada?

Step 1: Complaint FormYour name;Your contact information;Start and end date of the alleged events;Information demonstrating why you think you meet the definition of victim and the basic criteria of the CVBR; and.Details of the complaint, including all relevant information concerning the complaint or allegations.

How do I file a complaint in Canada?

How to File a ComplaintToll-free: 1-888-214-1090.TTY: 1-888-643-3304.Email: info.com@chrc-ccdp.gc.ca.

How do I complain about the justice system?

If you feel that the court handling your case hasn't done so professionally, and you haven't received proper justice in your case, you can make a complaint directly with the court by contacting a member of the court staff either in person or via phone. You may want to make your complain more formal and in writing.

Who does the Attorney General of Canada report to?

Parliament Prime MinisterMinister of Justice and Attorney General of CanadaMinister of Justice Attorney General of CanadaMember ofParliament Privy Council CabinetReports toParliament Prime MinisterAppointerMonarch (represented by the governor general); on the advice of the prime ministerTerm lengthAt Her Majesty's pleasure10 more rows

What does the Department of Justice Canada do?

The Department works with the federal government to develop policy and to make and reform laws. It also acts as the government's lawyer, providing legal advice, prosecuting cases under federal law, and representing the government in court.

What is the difference between complain and complaint?

Complaints is a noun. It mean "the expressions of discomfort, unease, pain, or grief." Complains is the third-person singular form of the verb "complain." It means "to express unease or discomfort, to lament."

How do you make a formal complaint?

Tips for writing a formal complaint Provide your name and address. Give a clear account of what happened and what went wrong. Include all the relevant facts such as dates and names but try to keep the letter concise. Attach copies of relevant documents or photographs and list the items enclosed in the letter.

What is the human rights commission in Canada?

The Canadian Human Rights Commission is Canada's human rights watchdog. We work for the people of Canada and operate independently from the Government. The Commission helps ensure that everyone in Canada is treated fairly, no matter who they are.

Can you sue the court system?

Suing a court or judge can be a risky legal proposition. The doctrine of judicial immunity is well established, and frivolous claims could have you paying the judge's court costs and fees. Talk to an experienced attorney before filing any type of legal action.

What can judges not do?

A judge should not allow family, social, political, financial, or other relationships to influence judicial conduct or judgment.

Can I take Ombudsman to court?

You can apply to the High Court to challenge an Ombudsman's decision because it is legally flawed – this is called judicial review – but you have to act quickly and you may need to take advice, for example from a solicitor, law centre or Citizens Advice Bureau.

What is a valid complaint?

VALID COMPLAINT IF: 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.

What are the things that regulate lawyers?

regulate the amount of a lawyer's bill. give legal advice. pay compensation. intervene in a court proceeding. change the decision of a court. insist that a lawyer take a case, remain on or withdraw from a case or do something specific in a case. make a finding that a lawyer was negligent. review a judge's conduct.

What is a lawyer working for?

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. If a lawyer lied to me. A lawyer does not appear to be able to handle your case, whether through lack of knowledge or other problems.

What happens if a lawyer lied to me?

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.

Who has a responsibility to disclose to the client at the start of the relationship?

A lawyer has a responsibility to disclose to the client at the start of the relationship the basis on which the client is to be billed for both the lawyer’s fees and any other charges in a clear transparent manner that the client can understand.

Can a law society be trusted?

While the law societies are not to be trusted, complaining to them is the only way to get a problem heard. But your chances of an honest and fair hearing are slim and none. The Law Society is "authorized" to deal with your complaint. They seldom do act. Lawyers get away with outrageous and even criminal conduct.

Can a lawyer come after you for complaining?

Generally the lawyer you are complaining about cannot come after you for complaining to the law society. But do not broadcast your complaint to the world or you will probably face a defamation action.

What is the most common mechanism for attacking a complaint?

The most common mechanism for attacking a complaint is a demurrer, though it seldom results in total victory for the defendant early in the case. A demurrer is the legal equivalent of saying, “even if everything you say is true, you still don’t have a case.”. There is no evidentiary hearing.

What happens if a defendant expects to prevail in a lawsuit?

If a defendant expects to prevail in the lawsuit and is considering bringing a sanctions motion, thought must be given as to whether, by bringing the motion, the defendant is possibly giving up other, potentially more substantial, remedies, such as abuse of process and/or malicious prosecution.

What is the California Code of Civil Procedure?

It is authorized by code (California Code of Civil Procedure § 425.16), when the defendant believes that the lawsuit is intended “primarily to chill the valid exercise of constitutional rights of freedom of speech and petition for the redress of grievances.”.

Can you get sanctions for a lawsuit?

It is possible to obtain sanctions with respect to only certain claims or causes of action and not the lawsuit as a whole.

Can a defendant take multiple courses of action?

Depending on the specific circumstances, there are multiple courses of action a defendant can take both while the underlying lawsuit is pending, and after it has concluded, if the defendant is successful on the merits.

Can a defendant sue a plaintiff in return?

The law does not generally allow a defendant to sue plaintiff in return by filing a cross-complaint asserting that the action brought against the defendant is frivolous and/or malicious, thereby putting the merits of the claims at issue right from the start. The closest the law comes in that regard is what is known as an “anti-SLAPP” motion, ...

What is frivolous vexatious?

The law recognizes that while anyone can bring a lawsuit against another person or organization, not all lawsuits have merit or should proceed. The types of claims are known as “frivolous or vexatious” claims. In short, a frivolous claim is where the claim has no merit whatsoever, ...

How to contact HMC lawyer?

If you think you want to file a claim and are curious about the potential chances of success, or if you believe think you are a defendant to a vexatious or frivolous claim, contact us online or call 1-800-480-3534 to make an appointment.

What are the rules of court in Alberta?

The Alberta Rules of Court set out remedies available to parties who are at the receiving end of frivolous or vexatious claims. If the court has found that a claim is frivolous or vexatious, the court may strike out all or part of the claim, set aside documents, or provide a judgment or award costs. There are other pieces of legislation, such as ...

What is a case study?

Given the technical nature of these pieces of legislation, a case study is helpful to understand how the court deals with vexatious litigants.

What is frivolous lawsuit?

What is a Frivolous Lawsuit? The official frivolous lawsuit meaning, according to the US Legal system is a legal claim that is filed by any entity or individual who is well aware that the lawsuit has no facts or basis to support it. Frivolous lawsuits may also be filed to delay other legal proceedings.

What happens if you file a motion to dismiss?

In fact, if your attorney were to plead a motion to dismiss, the lawsuit could get thrown out even without being heard. Also, be aware that attorneys who represent litigious people can be sanctioned for filing such frivolous legal actions in court.

What to do if you feel the matter can't be settled?

But, if you feel that the matter can’t be settled, go ahead and work with your attorney. Remember, depending upon your case, the law may direct the prevailing party in a lawsuit to pay attorney’s fees if it is proved that he sued in bad faith.

Can a lawsuit be filed for strategic reasons?

For example, certain real estate proceedings cannot commence if the real property at issue is involved in a lawsuit. A frivolous suit may be filed for strategic reasons as opposed to meritorious reasons. If you’re at the receiving end of a similar situation, here’s what you need to know.

Can you give something without checking with your attorney?

Do not agree to any claims or give something without checking with your attorney. Work on the assumption that the litigator will try to intimidate you by lying and adding untrue facts to the situation. Also, know that bringing a lawsuit and proving the claim are two different things in court.

Do litigious people threaten to take you to court?

Not only are such lawsuits very common but know that most litigious people simply threaten to take you to court without having the intention to do it. The behavior they display is vindictive and spiteful and typically intended to get back at you by causing emotional and mental anguish along with monetary loss.

How to make a complaint to LSO?

Before making a complaint to the LSO, try to talk to your lawyer or paralegal and try to resolve things before making a complaint. Most lawyers and paralegals want to solve problems before they become complaints. If the lawyer or paralegal works in a firm or company, talk to a more senior person.

How long does it take for a complaint to be filed with the LSO?

If your complaint doesn't show this, the LSO will not investigate. Complaints must be filed within 3 years of when the problem happened or you became aware of the problem. Some complaints are closed within 1 month and others are resolved within 1 to 3 months.

What to do if a paralegal works in a firm?

If the lawyer or paralegal works in a firm or company, talk to a more senior person. For example, you could talk to a partner at the firm about a lawyer you're having a problem with. Or, you could talk to the lawyer responsible for supervising the paralegal you're having a problem with. The LSO is not able to help with every type of complaint.

What is LSO in Ontario?

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) regulates lawyers and paralegals in On tario. This includes making sure that they: are licensed and insured to practice law. are qualified to help you with your legal issues. follow the rules of conduct set by Law Society of Ontario about how to behave professional. take part in continuing education ...

How to become a paralegal in Ontario?

The Law Society of Ontario (LSO) regulates lawyers and paralegals in Ontario. This includes making sure that they: 1 are licensed and insured to practice law 2 are qualified to help you with your legal issues 3 follow the rules of conduct set by Law Society of Ontario about how to behave professional 4 take part in continuing education to learn about the law and how to behave professionally

Does a discipline hearing end with a complaint?

If there is a discipline hearing, it could take even longer. But most complaints do not end with a discipline hearing. If there is a discipline hearing, it is between the LSO and the lawyer or paralegal. You are not a party.

Can LSO help with complaints?

The LSO is not able to help with every type of complaint. They usually deal with complaints about a lawyer or paralegal who didn't do their job properly or behaved unprofessionally. They don't deal with issues about the amount of a lawyer or paralegal’s bill.

What are some examples of attorney practices that violate the Rules?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Failure to provide an accounting of your money or property held by the attorney. Commingling your funds with the attorney's own money. Refusing to return your file at the conclusion of the representation.

What to do if you are unsure about an attorney?

If you are unsure whether your concerns with an attorney involve professional misconduct, in most states you can call or email the disciplinary office and discuss the matter prior to submitting a written complaint. Contact information for attorney regulatory authorities, by jurisdiction:

What are some examples of attorney misconduct?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Serious neglect of your case. Failure to provide an accounting of your money ...

What is frivolous lawsuit?

A frivolous lawsuit is a lawsuit that has no legal merit. To put it simply, a frivolous lawsuit has no basis in law or fact. A frivolous lawsuit has no legitimate legal or factual support. Tweet this. Ridiculous, absurd, ludicrous, and nonsensical—these are all words that can be used to describe a frivolous lawsuit.

Who sued McDonald's for spilling coffee?

McDonald’s Restaurants, Stella Liebeck sued McDonald’s after spilling a cup of hot coffee in her lap. For people who didn’t hear anything more about the case, they chalked the lawsuit up as another example of out-of-control litigation. But in reality, there was much more to the case.

Is personal injury a legitimate claim?

The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits filed in the United States involve legitimate claims and are the result of honest disagreements. But every year, a handful of lawsuits get filed that are patently ridiculous. Let’s take a quick look at what frivolous lawsuits are, why they’re filed, and whether there are any repercussions.

Is being sued a meritless case?

Being sued is incredibly frustrating. Even if the case is meritless, the defendant has to expend time, energy, and financial resources to have the case dismissed. What’s more, the defendant’s reputation might be tarnished if people hear about the lawsuit and assume it’s legitimate.

Who sued Anheuser-Busch for false advertising?

In 1993, Richard Overton sued Anheuser-Busch for false advertising after he drank a 6-pack of Bud Light and the beer failed to produce visions of beautiful women on a sandy beach (as the advertisement he had seen seemed to suggest).

Can judges sanction lawyers for frivolous lawsuits?

For this reason, judges find it particularly frustrating when a frivolous lawsuit is filed. Fortunately, judges have the authority to sanction lawyers and fine plaintiffs who file frivolous lawsuits.

What is a lawsuit?

A lawsuit is a 21 st century American equivalent of a duel — fighting with papers instead of swords, risking money instead of blood. Keep in mind that people who routinely threaten baseless lawsuits are often just adult versions of playground bullies.

What happens if you are baseless in a lawsuit?

If the lawsuit being filed against you is truly baseless, you are generally unlikely to be tangled in years and years of litigation. Comfort yourself by remembering that the legal system is not unfamiliar with the idea of absurd lawsuits filed for harassment purposes. To wit, you are not alone. Be the better person.

What is the knee jerk reaction to conflict?

America: land of the free and home of the litigious. For some people, the knee-jerk reaction to conflict is to threaten a lawsuit. These people will threaten to sue you for trespass if the vines in your backyard grow over their precious property line by an inch. They will threaten to sue you for intentional infliction of emotional distress ...

What is the role of a lawyer?

Remember, lawyers are meant to be advocates––someone to take up your cause, speak for you, support you, and strive to protect your interests above anyone else’s. It is important that you find someone you can trust. Seek a therapist to help you through the process. Acknowledge that being sued is traumatizing.

Can a non-hermit sue you?

They will sue you for discrimination and harassment if you try to argue with them. This is not to make light of litigants with actual meritorious claims of trespass or emotional distress or anything else; but threats of lawsuits have become increasingly common. Most likely, if you are a non-hermit adult, you have been verbally threatened ...

Is it scary to see your name on court papers?

You will most likely feel individually targeted in a way that you have never felt before. It can be jarring to see your name written on the court documents, to see allegations against you made in writing.

Do threats result in lawsuits?

Most threats do not result in actual lawsuits. Most people who threaten baseless or frivolous lawsuits do not follow through. They are simply frustrated, vindicative, and cannot think of a way to vent their discomfort besides threatening you.