How do I complain about a lawyer?

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. For example, they do not resolve disputes over a lawyer's bills.

If the LSO cannot help with your complaint, they will try to give you information about other sources of help.

By Mail or Fax

Download and complete a Complaint Form and mail or fax it to:

Complaints Services
Law Society of Ontario
Osgoode Hall, 130 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N6

Fax: 416-947-5263

You can call the Complaints Department for information at 1-800-268-7568.

If you worked with another type of legal professional, you may need to:

Complaining About a Lawyer - This page outlines the role of the Law Society in protecting the public, explains the complaints process and provides a link to an online complaint form.
Your Lawyer's Bill - Too High? - This page is from the Law Society of Upper Canada to explain what steps members of the public can take if they feel their lawyer's bill is too high.
Law Society of Ontario (LSO) - The governing body for Ontario lawyers. The LSO regulates the practice of law in Ontario and protects members of the public when they hire a lawyer.