Professional Discipline & Liability

Professionals such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, and law enforcement officers are expected to conduct themselves with a high level of integrity and professional bodies govern their conduct. When they fail to provide the level of service required, they may face professional disciplinary review or sanctions. In some cases, they may also be liable for damages or face criminal charges.

Our lawyers represent professionals facing criminal charges and in professional disciplinary proceedings. We know that the stakes are high, as professionals may face sanctions and even expulsion from their governing body, which may result in a loss of job or reputation.

We have many years of experience representing professionals at all stages – from an initial complaint, through the investigative process, to disciplinary proceedings, and appeals in all levels of court. We understand the pressures professionals face and our lawyers can provide assistance at any stage of the process.

This is an extremely difficult and complicated area to navigate, but the capable lawyers at our firm can provide you with the advice and representation you need.

Disciplinary Hearings

We have defended lawyers, accountants, doctors, teachers, paramedics, and police officers against allegations that they have breached their respective Codes of Conduct or have broken criminal or regulatory laws.

Disciplinary hearings are a conduct review procedure that is usually conducted by a professional organization. A complaint is brought forward to be heard and responded to by a panel. This panel then determines the consequences, if any, of the complaint.

Professional liability courtroom

Representing Professionals

Our lawyers have represented a broad range of professionals facing criminal and professional disciplinary proceedings, including:

  • Lawyers
  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Teachers
  • RCMP and Police Officers
  • Firefighters
  • Paramedics
  • Accountants
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Engineers
  • Chartered Business Valuators

 If you are facing professional disciplinary or criminal charges, our experienced lawyers can assist you. Contact us today to speak with us.

Common Charges Related to Professional Disciplinary Hearings

The area of professionally disciplinary hearing law includes the following possible charges:

Possible Outcomes From Disciplinary Hearings

  • No consequences
  • Financial penalty or fine
  • Suspension of membership or ability to practise
  • Termination of membership and ability to practise
  • Mandatory education
  • Community service
  • Costs for the hearing

Co-worker consoling fired employee

Do Professional Disciplinary Hearings Require a Lawyer?

While some criminal law and Charter of Rights provisions are applicable to these prosecutions, there are many other specialised administrative law principles unique to professional disciplinary hearings.

Why Choose DDSG Criminal Law for Professional Discipline & Liability Edmonton Cases?

Our lawyers have years of experience advocating strongly on behalf of our clients to governing boards and at all levels of court. Whether you are facing a complaint, an investigation, or disciplinary proceedings, we will work to help you preserve your personal and professional reputation.

Contact DDSG Criminal Law today for legal representation and to ensure your rights are protected.


Frequently Asked Questions About Professional Disciplinary Hearings in Edmonton

This all depends on the specific requirements of your licensing board. If you have a duty to do so, you could risk losing your professional licence if you do not. Even if you are found not guilty, or the charges are dropped, you could face consequences for failing to report.

Again, this all depends on your licensing board as well as the type of offence committed. For some offences, you may be allowed to continue working pending the outcome of your charges.

However, having severe charges (such as a sexual assault) filed against you could negatively impact the integrity and reputation of other professionals in your career field and you may be suspended pending the outcome of your charges.

If you fail to attend the hearing without a reasonable excuse, the meeting may go ahead without you and you will not be able to defend your case. The panel will have to go solely on the evidence submitted beforehand.

Lawyers with a practice interest in Professional Disciplinary Hearings

Mona Duckett

Mona T. Duckett, K.C.

Senior Partner

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Alexandra Seaman

Alexandra K. Seaman

Senior Partner

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Do you have questions about professional disciplinary hearings?