4. Get a decision

After the lawyer or paralegal is investigated, the Law Society of Ontario (LSO) can decide to:

• work with you and the lawyer or paralegal to find a solution
• close the file with no other action
• close the file and do things like give the lawyer or paralegal information on best practices for file management or client service
• have a discipline hearing

Some complaints are closed within 1 month and others are resolved within 1 to 3 months. If your complaint is complicated, or if it raises serious professional conduct issues, it may take up to 1 year or longer to complete an investigation. If there is a discipline hearing, it could take even longer. But most complaints do not end with a discipline hearing.

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