There are several ways to file a complaint.
Online
The fastest and easiest way to file a complaint is to fill out and submit the online complaint form. Read the complaint form information sheet first for full instructions.
By email, postal mail or fax
Read the complaint form information sheet, then download and print the complaint form. Fill it out and submit it to the Law Society by email, postal mail or fax.
- Scan the completed form and email it to professionalconduct@lsbc.org.
OR
- Send the completed form by Canada Post or courier to the following address:
Attention: Intake Officer
Professional Conduct
Law Society of British Columbia
845 Cambie Street
Vancouver BC V6B 4Z9
OR
- Fax the completed form to 604.605.5399.
The Law Society does not charge for its services and you do not need to retain a lawyer to represent you.
Language assistance
If you have difficulty reading, writing or speaking English, you can contact us at professionalconduct@lsbc.org. Language assistance may be available upon request.
How long does the process take?
There is no set time for an investigation of a complaint. Generally speaking, the more serious or complex the issues, the longer the review of a complaint will take. However, the Law Society does its best to handle all complaints promptly and fairly. About 85 per cent of complaints are resolved within one year.
Read about The Complaints Process.
Our commitment to respectful communication
Law Society staff are committed to communicating with you in a professional and respectful way, and we expect the same from you. Providing a safe work environment for our employees is not only a legal obligation, but a top priority.
We understand the complaints process, and your experience leading up to that point, may have been stressful. However, abusive and aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated. This includes threats, vexatious or harassing comments or conduct, intimidation, shouting or discriminatory statements. This may also include repeated emails or phone calls that are harassing or belligerent.
Should this behaviour occur, the Law Society may take steps to restrict your communication with us, in which case we will provide notice to you of that decision.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Contact the Indigenous Navigator
The Indigenous Navigator provides support and guidance to Indigenous complainants, witnesses and parties through our complaints and regulatory processes.
Contact IndigenousNavigator@lsbc.org for assistance.
Before filing a complaint, discuss your concerns with the lawyer or the lawyer's firm.
Misunderstandings can arise because of a lack of communication. Often you can resolve these misunderstandings simply by discussing your concerns.
If you cannot resolve your issue with your lawyer, you may want to file a complaint with the Law Society. You can submit your complaint using our online form, or by printing our downloadable form and submitting it by email (by scanning the completed form), by fax or by mail. Read more about what you can do when you are concerned about the conduct of a lawyer.
All complaints must be in writing and must include the following:
- the lawyer's name
- details of your concern
- your name, address and phone number
- copies of any relevant documents