Lawyers Acting on Independent Assessment Process Claims - Duties and Responsibilities
Under the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, former Residential School Students had till September 19, 2012, to apply for compensation under the Independent Assessment Process (IAP). The Adjudication Secretariat is no longer accepting applications; however, lawyers in the Nunavut Territory are called to act on IAP claims.
Due to the nature of these claims and the vulnerability of their clients, lawyers have the responsibility to ensure a high level of trust. They are called to act with diligence, particularly in obtaining the authorization to practice law and in the reasonableness of the legal fees charged.
It has come to our attention that some lawyers are acting on IAP claims without the proper authorization. Concerns have also been raised about certain lawyers’ behaviour towards their clients.
This Notice is intended to send a clear message about practicing law in Nunavut and to set out the Law Society’s policy and position with respect to this matter.
Click here to download the complete Notice .