QUICK TAKEAWAY
Criminal Lawyer Look Up: When hiring a criminal lawyer in Canada, making a more informed decision by verifying the lawyer's credentials and standing is advisable. Resources like provincial and territorial law societies and the Canadian Bar Association offer databases to look up licensed lawyers. Before hiring, ensure the lawyer is licensed, check for any disciplinary records, and confirm their specialization in criminal law. Consult multiple sources, read reviews, and speak with the defence lawyer to ensure they can meet your specific needs.
Table of Contents:
Look Up a Criminal Lawyer
Before hiring a criminal lawyer, it's important to verify their credentials and standing within the legal community for several reasons:
- Ensure the Lawyer is Licensed: Confirming that the lawyer is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
- Check for Disciplinary Records: Some directories provide information on any disciplinary actions against the lawyer, which could be a red flag.
- Identify Area of Practice: Knowing a lawyer's area of practice, particularly in criminal law, can help you find someone well-suited to handle your specific legal issue.
Resources for Looking Up a Lawyer
Law Societies by Province and Territory
Every province and territory in Canada has a law society that maintains a database of licensed lawyers. These databases often serve as the first stop for people considering hiring a criminal lawyer. They provide a general overview of a lawyer, including their licensing status and sometimes even disciplinary records.
Lawyer Lookup by Province and Territory
- British Columbia (BC): Law Society of British Columbia - Lawyer Lookup
- Alberta (AB): Law Society of Alberta - Lawyer Lookup
- Saskatchewan (Sask): Law Society of Saskatchewan - Lawyer Lookup
- Manitoba (MB): Law Society of Manitoba - Lawyer Lookup
- Ontario (ON): Law Society of Ontario - Lawyer Lookup
- Quebec (QC): Barreau du Québec - Lawyer Lookup
- New Brunswick (NB): Law Society of New Brunswick - Lawyer Lookup
- Prince Edward Island (PEI): Law Society of Prince Edward Island - Lawyer Lookup
- Nova Scotia (NS): Nova Scotia Barristers' Society - Lawyer Lookup
- Newfoundland and Labrador (NL): Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador - Lawyer Lookup
- Yukon (YT): Law Society of Yukon - Lawyer Lookup
- Northwest Territories (NWT): Law Society of the Northwest Territories - Lawyer Lookup
- Nunavut (Nvt): Law Society of Nunavut - Lawyer Lookup
Canadian Bar Association
The Canadian Bar Association (CBA) is a professional organization representing lawyers, judges, notaries, law teachers, and law students across Canada. Established in 1896, the CBA aims to promote fair justice systems, facilitate effective law reform, uphold equality in the legal profession, and foster excellence in legal practice. One of the valuable resources it offers is a nationwide database of licensed lawyers, covering various fields including criminal law.
Steps to Take Before Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
When facing criminal charges, the lawyer you choose can significantly impact the outcome of your case. By following these steps, you can confidently hire a well-suited criminal lawyer to represent you effectively.
- Identify Your Needs: Criminal law is a broad field that includes various sub-specialties such as DUI defence, drug offences, white-collar crimes, violent crimes, and more. Some lawyers may focus on specific criminal cases, making them more suited for your particular legal issue.
- Consult Multiple Sources: Don't rely solely on one source for your information. Different sources may offer different viewpoints. For example, a law society database might indicate that a lawyer is in good standing, but client reviews could reveal issues with communication or hidden fees.
- Check Reviews and Testimonials: Reviews can provide insights into a lawyer's understanding and handling of legal matters. They may also indicate the lawyer's transparency about fees, legal procedures, and possible outcomes. While past performance isn't a guarantee of future success, a history of favourable case outcomes can suggest a good track record.
- Consult the Lawyer: Before making your final decision, consult with the lawyer to ensure they understand your needs. Assess your comfort level with the lawyer, understand their approach to your case, and discuss fees. These steps will help you make an informed decision, ensuring that your chosen lawyer can effectively represent you in your criminal case.
The more informed you are, the better equipped you'll be to make a decision that could significantly impact your life.
