Our team of civil litigation lawyers regularly represents professionals in connection with complaints, investigations, and disciplinary proceedings commenced against them by regulatory bodies or under the legislation. Our clients include lawyers, paralegals, brokers, social workers, teachers, police officers, and other professionals. We are acutely aware of the importance of licences and professional accreditation to these professionals.

We have represented clients when appearing before tribunals and boards on disciplinary matters. We have also assisted clients in a wide range of matters, from registration to licence revocation.

Our insights into these cases arise in part from our experience in acting as prosecutors in disciplinary and regulatory proceedings before regulatory agencies and courts. We also maintain a limited practice of prosecutorial services and independent legal counsel to regulators, colleges, and boards. This enables us to see professional regulation and discipline issues from both sides and create a strong defence for our clients in the professions.

Our diversity of experience helps us strategize, in both defending our clients and helping them mitigate against damages to personal and business reputations. As part of this process, and when possible, we use the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in place by colleges, boards, tribunals, and regulators.

Many professions and trades are regulated in Ontario, requiring a license or certificate in order to work in these industries. A governing body will generally have the authority to admit and regulate its professionals in the performance of their services.

Professionals are required to comply with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations of their profession. Often, professionals are particularly required to satisfy rules of professional conduct. For example, chartered professional accountants must be professionally competent pursuant to the CPA Code of Professional Conduct.

If a professional has allegedly breached a rule of professional conduct, by for example, not being not competent in their provision of services, the individual may be subject to a complaint, investigation and/or regulatory proceeding. If that is the case, the professional may wish to seek legal counsel or assistance.

• Represented licensed mortgage brokers in appeals before the Financial Services Tribunal.
• Represented motor vehicle salesperson in appeal of a decision to revoke licence to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
• Represented licensed real estate salesperson in appeal of a decision to revoke licence to the Licence Appeal Tribunal.
• Provided advice to real estate salesperson under investigation.
• Provided advice to businesses under investigation by the Ontario College of Trades.
• Provided advice to electrical contractors under investigation by the Electrical Safety Authority.
• Provided advice to contractors under investigation by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority.
• Represented police officers charged with disciplinary offences under the Police Services Act.

HELPING PROFESSIONALS IN TORONTO

EXAMPLES OF GOVERNING LEGISLATION FOR VARIOUS PROFESSIONS

• Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario Act, 2017
• Dentistry Act, 1991
• Law Society Act
• Police Services Act
• Professional Engineers Act
• Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991

As professionals ourselves, we understand the importance of maintaining one’s professional reputation and character. Should you be in the unfortunate circumstance of facing a professional complaint, investigation and/or regulatory proceeding, please do not hesitate to contact Chand & Co. at 416-583-2377. We are here to help.