LAO complaints policy
Published: January 23, 2020
Last updated: August 2023
Policy of guidelines and procedures for receiving and processing complaints about LAO staff and services
1. Purpose
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) created its complaints policy to:
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Make sure individuals know their right to make a complaint, and the procedures involved
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Make sure that complaints are dealt with fairly and quickly. It does not matter how the complaint is initiated (verbally or written), or who makes it (the legal aid applicant or another person).
2. What is a complaint?
A complaint is an expression of dissatisfaction with a service provided by LAO or with the policies of LAO. The Complaints Department accepts complaints by telephone, by fax, by email, by mail and also through the Ethics Hotline. LAO accepts anonymous complaints as well.
The Importance of Complaints to LAO
LAO is responsible for ensuring that a professional and conscientious approach is taken to managing client files; that good quality legal services are provided; that all matters are managed on a timely basis and in accordance with the established policies and procedures. LAO considers complaints to be opportunities to evaluate how we are doing. They allow us to identify weak points in our policies and procedures so that they can be corrected. Complaints allow staff at LAO to see our organization through the eyes of the people who use or are affected by our services.
Who can file or make a complaint?
Any person can make a complaint, including current and former clients, lawyers, someone who has been refused a service or any other person who may be affected by the services LAO provides, including services from a community legal clinic, a Student Legal Services Organization or an Indigenous Legal Service Organization.
LAO will consider all complaints. However, there are some complaints that LAO Complaints Department does not have the authority to handle alone. Although there is no complete list, examples include Human Rights issues and some employment concerns, which are handled by Human Resources (HR). Complainants (individuals who make a complaint to LAO) will be advised if their concerns do not fall under LAO’s Complaints Department jurisdiction.
The Complaints Department is LAO’s liaison to the Ontario Ombudsman and responsible for providing information to the Ombudsman as required by legislation. Any inquiries from the Ontario Ombudsman directly received by LAO staff should be forwarded to the Complaints Department.
LAO will not accept complaints about the refusal of LAO applications due to ineligibility when the option of a review is available to the applicant.
The LAO complaints process is not an avenue for disputing the outcome of a review, investigation, audit, roster removal or other proceeding that LAO may conduct under the authority provided in the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and related Rules and Policies. In these cases, the complainant will be advised that no action will be taken beyond what was decided in the proceeding. Complaints related to the proceeding that are made (either as a part of the proceeding submission or separately) at the time when the proceeding is still on-going will be, where possible, dealt with in the proceeding. Any aspects of the complaint that remain unaddressed will be reviewed following the conclusion of the proceeding in accordance with the regular complaints process.
Responsibilities of the Complaint Resolving Party and the Complaints Department
- Handle each complaint professionally, efficiently and fairly
- Keep the complainant informed of our progress
- Give the complainant reasons for all decisions
- Treat the complainant with respect
- If feasible, delegate resolution of the complaint to a designate.
Responsibilities of the Complainant
- Provide the Complaints Department with a clear idea of the problem in writing and the solution expected
- Disclose at the beginning all the relevant information
- Promptly provide new facts in writing including informing of a decision to cancel the complaint
- Cooperate with the Complaints department
- Treat LAO staff with respect.
3. Types of Complaints
- Lawyer Billing Complaint
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These complaints can originate from either the lawyer’s client, a contributor on behalf of the client, a subsequent lawyer acting on behalf of the client or a judgment debtor.
In most cases, the client in question is subject to a contribution agreement (or lien) with LAO.
Resolution process:
The Complaints Department’s role in these matters is that of a facilitator for the Lawyer Services and Payments (LSP) Department. The Complaints Department will ensure that the client is in receipt of the lawyer’s detailed accounts for the certificate(s) in dispute. The client is then instructed to review the accounts and provide their objections in writing, as well as their signed waiver and consent to release to the Complaints Department the objection letter to the lawyer in question.
The Complaints Department will then provide a copy of the client’s complaint to the lawyer for his or her response. Once the lawyer’s reply is received, the documents are referred to the LSP Department. A staff lawyer in the LSP Department will conduct the review of the account(s) and provide the client with the outcome in writing. In some instances, where serious billing irregularities is identified, LSP may refer the matter to the Investigations Department.
- Lawyer Service Complaints
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These complaints can come from the client, the opposing party, a third party or member of the public or another lawyer. If the client wishes to change lawyers, such a request can be made to the Client and Lawyer Services Centre.
Resolution process:
The Complaints Department directs complaint information to the District Office as a Stage I complaint for resolution.
- Lawyer Conduct Complaints
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These complaints can originate from the client, the opposing party, a third party or member of the public or another lawyer.
Resolution process:
Allegations of breaches of Legal Aid Ontario legislation, Rules and policies will be provided to the Investigations department for assessment. The complainant will be advised at the conclusion of the investigations department’s review.
Complainants for these matters are also advised that they can contact the Law Society of Ontario (“LSO”), which sets and enforces educational, ethical and professional conduct standards for lawyers and paralegals in Ontario.
- LAO Policy Complaints
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Any individual could have concerns regarding the policies of LAO. Such complaints have come from clients, lawyers, members of the public, and community groups for example.
These complaints include coverage policies, payment policies, the service regulations for Duty Counsel (DC), or LAO office hours, for example.
Resolution process:
The Complaints Department does not have the authority to amend the policies of LAO. The Complaints Department will review the complainant’s concerns and report them to the Management of LAO for their consideration. The Stage II resolution option is not available for policy complaints.
- Complaints about LAO staff
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Any individual could have concerns regarding LAO staff. Such complaints have come from clients, lawyers, members of the public, community groups, etc.
Resolution process:
The Complaints Department directs complaint information to the local District Office or Provincial Office Manager as a Stage I complaint for resolution.
- Complaints about Duty Counsel (either staff or per diem)
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Any individual could have concerns regarding the services provided by Duty Counsel. Such complaints have come from clients, lawyers, members of the public, community groups for example.
Resolution process:
The Complaints Department directs complaint information to the local District Office as a Stage I complaint for resolution.
- Community Legal Clinic and Student Legal Services Organizations Complaints
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LAO has authority to review and resolve some complaints regarding community legal clinics (including general service and specialty clinics) and student legal services organizations (SLSOs), once the organization’s internal complaint process has been exhausted. LAO does not accept complaints related to matters internal to clinic/SLSO operations such as human resources issues, staff performance or the administration of internal clinic processes. LAO also does not accept complaints regarding eligibility determination as long as the clinic operated within its policy. These complaints are usually initiated by clients, their agents or members of the public. A Clinic/SLSO complaint can be reviewed by the Vice-President, Clinic Law Services once the complainant has exhausted the complaint process of the Clinic/SLSO.
Resolution process:
Once the complaint has been reviewed by the Clinic or the SLSO Dean, and the complainant has received the Board’s or Dean’s written decision regarding their complaint, the complainant may request a review by the Vice-President, Clinic Law Services if they are not satisfied with the outcome by the Board of Directors or Dean. The complainant will be provided with a written decision at the conclusion of the Vice-President review. The Vice-President’s decision is final and no Stage II resolution option is available for this type of complaints.
- Indigenous Legal Service Organizations Complaints
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LAO has authority to review and resolve some complaints regarding Indigenous Legal Service Organizations (ILSO) once the organization’s internal complaint process has been exhausted. LAO does not accept complaints related to matters internal to ILSO operations such as human resources issues, staff performance or the administration of internal processes.
Resolution process:
Once the complaint has been reviewed by the ILSO Board, and the complainant has received the Board’s written decision regarding their complaint, the complainant may request a review by LAO Vice-President, if they are not satisfied with the outcome by the Board of Directors.
The complainant will be provided with a written decision at the conclusion of the Vice-President review. The Vice-President’s decision is final and no Stage II resolution option is available for this type of complaints.
- French Language Service Complaints
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These issues originate from clients, agents, lawyers or other members of the public who are concerned with the French language services provided by the various offices of LAO.
Resolution process:
These complaints are referred to the Coordinator, French Language Services as a Stage I complaint for resolution.
- Money in Addition to LAO certificate
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This is a matter where the client or contributor on behalf of the client pays or is requested to pay money to the lawyer in addition to the acknowledged legal aid certificate after the effective date of the Certificate. The complainant is usually the client or third party on behalf of the client. As this constitutes a breach of Legal Aid Rules, these complaints must be referred to the Investigations Department for assessment with an advisement to the District Office.
The complainant will be advised in writing of the general determination of the investigations department’s review.
- Breach of privacy or confidentiality
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LAO is covered by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) and, accordingly, subject to external scrutiny by the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC).
Resolution process:
The Complaints department will forward complaints pertaining to breach of privacy or confidentiality to the District Office or Provincial Office Manager for Stage I resolution. The FIPPA Coordinator will be copied and will provide assistance as required.
Concerns/Inquiries
- Third Party Eligibility Concerns
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These concerns are most frequently initiated by either the opposing party in ongoing civil litigation or Family Law matters, various members of the public, or lawyers (whether retained by the client in question or the opposing party). Concerns are also received with respect to Criminal and Refugee Law matters.
Concerns of this nature are taken seriously. As a government-funded organization, Legal Aid Ontario strives to ensure that its services are not misused. However, confidentiality provisions in both the Legal Aid Services Act, 2020 and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act prohibit us from disclosing or discussing the relationship of any individual to Legal Aid Ontario. As such, the complainant will receive an acknowledgement upon receipt of the complaint but no further status or resolution information will be provided due to client confidentiality restrictions. No further review is available for this type of inquiry.
Resolution process:
If the Complaints Department receives the information pertaining to an individual’s eligibility for legal aid, the information is sent to the local District Office. This may occur even if the individual complained about is not in receipt of legal aid assistance, for the purposes of any future application by this person.
If the person in question is in receipt of legal aid, the District Office will review the complaint information and may conduct a reassessment of the client. The District Office will review the client file and may request the assistance of the Investigations Department in the event that any additional information regarding the client’s financial situation is required (e.g., corporate searches, credit checks, etc.). For confidentiality reasons, LAO cannot report the results of the investigation to the person making the complaint.
- Eligibility for legal aid assistance or application status
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These are not considered to be complaints.
Inquiries such as these should be directed to the Client and Lawyer Service Centre or to the District Office.
- Inquiries by lawyers regarding the status or payment of accounts
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These are not considered to be complaints.
Inquiries such as these should be directed to the Client and Lawyer Service Centre.
4. Disclosure of Wrongdoing (DoW)
The Public Service of Ontario Act (PSOA) contains disclosure of wrongdoing provisions that support the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. In accordance with the PSOA, members of LAO staff who are aware of wrongdoing by an LAO employee, can reveal it with protection against reprisal. The PSOA defines “wrongdoing” by a public servant, minister or parliamentary assistant as:
- contravening an act or regulation
- creating a grave danger to life, health, safety or the environment by an action or failure to act that is unreasonable in the circumstances
- gross mismanagement
- directing or counseling someone to commit one of the above
To support the disclosure of wrongdoing framework, organizations in the public service have an Ethics Executive. The President is designated as LAO’s Ethics Executive.
An LAO employee who wishes to disclose wrongdoing has two options:
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Report the information directly to the Integrity Commissioner if he or she feels that internal disclosure would not be appropriate. http://www.oico.on.ca/home/disclosure-of-wrongdoing; or
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Report the information internally to the LAO Ethics Executive either through the Complaints Department or directly to the President’s Office
Complaints received by the Complaints Department
If a complaint is received and is determined to be a DoW complaint under the PSOA, the Complaints Department will:
- Log the complaint as a DoW complaint
- Refer the complaint to the President’s Office
- Note the complaint as “Closed/Referred to the President’s Office”
The President’s Office is responsible for the resolution of the DoW and for recording the outcome.
Complaints received by the President’s Office
Where it is determined that there is a DoW complaint, the President’s Office will:
- Advise the Complaints Department of the DoW complaint
- Ask the Complaints Department to log the complaint
- Ask the Complaints Department to record the complaint as “Closed/Referred by the President’s Office”
The President’s Office is responsible for the resolution of the DoW and for recording the outcome.
Release of information
LAO does not provide information about legal aid applicants or their applications if a complaint is made. There is also information that LAO cannot provide because of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). In all other cases, the following information will be disclosed to a complainant upon request:
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Written communications about the complaint between the Complaints Department and the complainant
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Written communications about the complaint between the Complaints Department and the subject of the complaint
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Written responses to the complaint provided to the Complaints Department from the subject of the complaint
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Written responses to the complaint provided to the Complaints Department from the supervisor or manager of the subject of the complaint
5. The Complaint Process
In most cases there are two stages to the complaint process at LAO.
Stage I
LAO will first try to resolve the complaint at the local level. This means that District Offices and Provincial Office Departments are responsible for trying to resolve the complaint, and for keeping records of all complaints and their outcomes. At this stage, complainants who contact the Complaints Department will be referred back to the District Office or Provincial Office Department for resolution.
The complainant will be sent an acknowledgement no more than five days after LAO receives the complaint. If the matter has not been resolved within thirty days, the complainant will receive a written update. A status update is sent every thirty days until the matter is resolved.
Stage II
A complainant has the right to contact the Complaints Department in LAO’s Provincial Office for a review of the resolution when the complainant is unhappy with the resolution the District Office or Provincial Department has provided.
The Complaints Department will send the complainant an acknowledgement no more than five days after LAO receives the complaint. If the matter has not been resolved within thirty days, the complainant will receive a written update.
The Complaints Manager reviews how the Director General or Provincial Office manager handled the complaint and collects additional information from the complainant and the local office, if necessary.
Exceptions to the above are as follows:
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Complaints pertaining to the President/CEO are to be received by the Chair of the Board of Directors.
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Complaints about Vice Presidents and other employees reporting directly to the President are referred directly to President as Stage II complaints.
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Complaints about the staff of the General Counsel’s Office are determined to be automatic Stage II complaints to General Counsel or his/her designate.
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The Complaints Department will refer a matter directly to the responsible Vice President or designate as a Stage II complaint when the complaint concerns a staff member who reports directly to a Vice President.
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As the Complaints department is included in the Audit and Compliance Services Branch (ACSB), complaints about ACSB Managers are determined to be automatic Stage II complaints to the Director, ACSB.
6. How to make a complaint
You have the right to make a formal complaint if you are unhappy with a service you received from Legal Aid Ontario, a community legal clinic or a legal aid lawyer. Your complaint can be initiated over the phone or in writing. You can also make your complaint anonymously. To make a formal complaint about a community legal clinic, please contact the clinic directly. The Complaints Department may require a formal complaint in writing with your problem clearly stated and the solution that you expect.
For more information on the complaints process, please contact Legal Aid Ontario’s Complaints Department by phone or by email:
Complaints Department
Legal Aid Ontario
20 Dundas St. West – Suite 730
Toronto, ON, M5G 2H1
Phone: (416) 204-7104
Toll-free: 1-866-874-9786
Fax: (416) 204-4718
Email: complaints@lao.on.ca