Defence During RECO Investigations and Proceedings

When a RECO investigator initiates contact, professionals must cooperate because they are legally required to provide accurate information. However, unprepared responses can create significant legal exposure. Our role is to protect your legal rights while ensuring that all information provided aligns with your best interests.

We provide comprehensive support during:

• Initial responding to a RECO complaint.
• Preparation of formal drafting responses and structured written submissions.
• Strategic guidance prior to interviews or document requests.
• Assessing compliance with the of ethics and RECO standards.
• Evaluation of exposure to criminal charges, provincial offences, or a potential maximum fine.

Early intervention often minimizes escalation. When appropriately managed, many matters can resolve without a formal hearing or significant disciplinary action.

Representation in Hearings, Tribunals, and Appeals

If the matter proceeds beyond preliminary investigation, we provide full representation across all relevant forums.

1) RECO Discipline Committee and Discipline Hearings

A discipline hearing before the discipline committee requires a detailed understanding of RECO’s rules, evidence, and statutory obligations. We prepare your case thoroughly, challenge improper evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and present arguments grounded in fairness and justice.

2) Licence Appeal Tribunal

When responding to a registrar proposal relating to suspension, conditions, or attempts to revoke registration, our firm provides detailed representation before the Licence Appeal Tribunal. These hearings require comprehensive knowledge of administrative law and regulatory procedure.

3) Provincial Offences Court and Quasi-Criminal Matters

Allegations under the Provincial Offences Act, Real Estate and Business Brokers Act (REBBA) offences, and other provincial offences may carry substantial consequences. We defend professionals in provincial offences court, ensuring that the prosecution meets its burden and that your rights are fully protected.

4) Ontario Court and Divisional Court Appeals

When necessary, we advance appeal matters before the Ontario court and the divisional court. Appellate advocacy requires careful legal analysis, strategic framing, and precise argumentation.

5) Judicial Pre Trials and Judicial Pre Hearings

For complex matters involving allegations of professional misconduct, financial penalties, or risk maximum fine, we manage judicial pre trials and judicial pre hearings to negotiate resolutions and achieve the most favourable outcomes.

Protecting Professional Reputation and Career

A complaint, negative notice, or adverse finding by RECO can severely affect a professional’s reputation, future registration, and ability to continue their practice. Consequences may include:

• Requirements to complete additional educational courses.
• Monetary penalties, including a maximum fine.
• Orders to correct practices or enhance compliance systems.
• Conditions placed on registration.
• Suspension or attempts to revoke registration.

Given the high stakes, proactive legal representation is essential. Our priority is safeguarding your business, defending your professional standing, and ensuring that the regulatory process is fair, balanced, and respectful of your contributions to the real estate sector.

How Our Real Estate Discipline Lawyers Can Help

As experienced lawyers, we provide a full range or support services for real estate agents, brokers, and other real estate professionals. Our assistance includes:

1) Strategic Early Case Management

We guide professionals through every stage of responding to a complaint, including the drafting of written submissions, analysis of evidence, and preparation for interactions with RECO or the registrar.

2) Defence Against Professional Misconduct Allegations

We represent individuals facing allegations of professional misconduct, improper conduct, false documents, ethical breaches, or related infractions under the code of ethics.

3) Full Advocacy in Discipline Proceedings

We handle appearances before the discipline committee, defend against discipline proceedings, and ensure that regulatory bodies meet their evidentiary burdens.

4) Tribunal and Court Representation

Professionals benefit from representation in:

• Provincial Offences Court.
• Ontario Court.
• Divisional Court.
• Licence Appeal Tribunal.

We manage everything from preliminary motions to full hearings and appeal advocacy.

5) Guidance on Compliance and Risk Prevention

We assist with compliance, regulatory obligations, educational courses, and proactive measures that reduce vulnerability to future complaint exposure.

Book a Consultation with Our Real Estate Professional Lawyer

If you are a licensed professional, real estate agent, broker, or part of a brokerage team facing a complaint, investigation, or regulatory challenge, obtaining legal advice early is critical.

Our team of dedicated lawyers will meet with you to help assess your situation, protect your legal rights, and develop a strategy tailored to your needs. Whether the issue involves a RECO complaint, a registrar proposal, a potential maximum fine, or the risk that RECO may attempt to revoke registration, we are prepared to act quickly and decisively.

Your reputation, your registration, and your future in the real estate profession deserves strong, experienced representation. Contact us to book your consultation today.