Counsels

The Complaints Authorization Committee counselled a member that the member’s conduct does not comply with the standard of conduct with respect to Chapter 7, rule 7.2-1, of the Code of Professional Conduct. The member was counselled that, in the future, the member should be mindful of extending the courtesy of a response to indicate that the member would not be communicating substantively on a matter. This courtesy should be extended to both lawyers and self-represented parties alike.

The Complaints Authorization Committee counselled a member that the member’s conduct does not comply with the standard of conduct with respect to Chapter 2, rule 2.1-1 and Chapter 7, rule 7.1-1, of the Code of Professional Conduct. The member was counselled that lawyers have a duty to respond to all Law Society communications and to cooperate with all Law Society investigations. Further, where a member is unable to pay amounts owing to the Law Society, the member should correspond with the Law Society about this as opposed to not responding to the Law Society at all.

The Complaints Authorization Committee counselled a member that the member’s conduct does not comply with the standard of conduct with respect to Chapter 3, rule 3.2-1 of the Code of Professional Conduct. The member was counselled, that in the future, the member must be mindful to follow up on the tasks committed to, particularly ones that could have limitation implications.

The Complaints Authorization Committee counselled a member that the member’s conduct does not comply with the standard of conduct with respect to Chapter 2, rule 2.1-1, Chapter 5, rule 5.1-5 and Chapter 7, rule 7.2-1, of the Code of Professional Conduct. The member was counselled, that in the future, the member should be mindful of their communications and ensure that they are providing an accurate representation of any information they are providing. Furthermore, the member should be mindful of their responsibility to be civil and act in good faith in their communications.

Cautions

The Complaints Authorization Committee cautioned a member that the member’s conduct does not comply with the standard of conduct with respect to Chapter 3, rule 3.3-1, of the Code of Professional Conduct. The member was cautioned, that in the future, the member must be mindful that it is not the role of a lawyer to disclose a Will to beneficiaries, and to do so could breach the confidentiality of the client.

The Complaints Authorization Committee cautioned a member that the member’s conduct does not comply with the standard of conduct with respect to Rule 5.03(1) of the Uniform Trust Account Rules. The member was cautioned, that in the future, the member should ensure that only funds directly related to legal services be deposited into the member’s trust account.

The Complaints Authorization Committee cautioned a member that the member’s conduct does not comply with the standard of conduct with respect to Chapter 2, rule 2.1-1, Chapter 7, rules 7.2-1 and 7.2-4, of the Code of Professional Conduct. The member was cautioned, that in the future, the member must be mindful of their communications. Lawyers can, and should, ask questions, make observations, and spark debate. However, in doing so, lawyers should be respectful.