Managing Self

The dreaded complaint to the Law Society or State Bar – what to do if it happens to you

Written by Allison Wolf

Terry lifts the mail out of his in-tray and casually flips through the envelopes. He sees the large envelope at the bottom of the pile with the Law Society logo in the corner. “What’s this about” he wonders? Other mail forgotten Terry tears open the envelope. “What on earth?” As his eyes scan the letter Terry’s stomach clenches and his brow furrows.

The dreaded occurrence is likely to announce itself in a letter from the Law Society or State Bar with supporting documents attached. More rarely a lawyer will receive a call.

Fear of a Law Society or State Bar complaint lurks in the minds of most lawyers. For many law is a calling, and the idea of being examined and found wanting is a horror.

Here’s what is important to know if the dreaded day arrives and you are subject to an investigation…

Read on in my column for Canadian Lawyer Magazine

About the author

Allison Wolf

I am the founder of AWAL and one of the most senior coaches for lawyers in North America. I have helped countless clients over the past fifteen years, develop thriving legal practices and before that served as director of marketing for award-winning law firms. My specialty is uncovering the thinking traps and gaps holding clients back and helping them acquire the mindsets, skills, and habits for growing successful and rewarding legal careers. After a career in legal marketing and business development with law firms in Beijing, New York, and Vancouver, I was trained as a coach in 2004 at Royal Roads University and now coach clients from across North America. You can reach me at allison@shiftworks.ca or learn more about my coaching practice from the coaching section of the Attorney With A Life Website.

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.