Our process is simple. The time it takes us to respond will depend on how complex your matter is. We will keep you updated on our progress.
Before you make an enquiry, try to resolve the issue directly first.
Talk to your lawyer or someone more senior at the law practice.
If your issue hasn’t been resolved directly, check to see if we can help you.
Use our enquiry form to lodge your concern.
Tell us what happened, how it affected you and what outcome you’re seeking. The more detail, the better.
If we can’t help you, we may refer you elsewhere for advice.
An officer will review your enquiry.
You should expect to hear from us within 28 days about whether or not we can help.
If we can help, we will likely ask you for further information.
The Commissioner may investigate conduct matters.
If the matter refers to a barrister, the complaint may be referred to the Bar Association of Queensland (BAQ).
Once an investigation has occurred, the Commissioner will decide to:
Discipline applications are made to protect the public.
They are not made on behalf of a complainant, and complainants are not involved in the proceedings, except when they are a required as a witness.
The Commissioner will only make a discipline application where relevant criteria in the Act are met.
Disciplinary hearings occur before either Legal Practice Committee (the Committee) or Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), depending on the nature of the matter.
If a discipline application is made, you will be kept up to date about the proceedings and you may be required to give evidence before the Committee or QCAT.
Find out more about disciplinary proceedings in our Disciplinary Hearings factsheet.
A compensation order may be made by a disciplinary body (either QCAT or the Committee) following a disciplinary hearing. A disciplinary body may make a compensation order if it finds that a lawyer's conduct was either unsatisfactory professional conduct or professional misconduct. You can learn more about compensation orders in our compensation orders factsheet.
