Reporting Misconduct Policy

Purpose

A firm is only as trustworthy as its willingness to deal with problems. This policy explains how concerns about misconduct are raised and handled, including the duty the Paralegal Rules of Conduct place on licensees to report certain conduct to the Law Society of Ontario.

Who it applies to

Every licensee, employee and contractor of the firm.

Raising a concern inside the firm

Anyone who believes that someone at the firm has acted dishonestly, broken the law or the Law Society's rules, or put a client at risk should tell the principal. The concern will be looked into promptly and fairly, and kept as confidential as the matter allows.

Reporting to the Law Society

The Paralegal Rules of Conduct require a licensee to report certain conduct of another licensee to the Law Society, unless doing so would breach confidentiality or privilege, for example:

• misappropriating or misusing money or property held in trust;
• abandoning a practice;
• participating in criminal activity related to the licensee's practice;
• other conduct that raises a substantial question about a licensee's honesty, trustworthiness or competence.

Anyone, licensee or not, may also contact the Law Society directly about a licensee's conduct.

No reprisal

No one at the firm will be penalized, threatened or treated unfairly for raising a concern in good faith, for reporting to the Law Society, or for taking part in an investigation.

Review

This policy is reviewed at least once a year, and whenever the Law Society's By-Laws or rules change. The principal approves every change.

Questions

Email info@neolegalservices.com, call 647-200-3526 or toll-free 888-519-2435, or write to us at Unit 236, 1099 Kingston Road, Pickering, Ontario L1V 1B5.