National Discipline Standards Pilot Project
The LSN on April 1, 2012 implemented the National Discipline Standards Pilot Project (“NDSP”), created by the Federation of Law Societies of Canada to standardize the legal profession’s regulatory framework related to discipline complaints.
The project establishes appropriate timelines for investigations, citations and hearings; to provide for greater transparency, public participation and accessibility to information in the discipline process.
From the date of implementation, the LSN has developed a timeline grid sheet used in each new discipline file to ensure the application of the Standards.
The NDSP mandate is executed by the LSN in accordance with the distinctive nature of the legal profession in Nunavut, and in agreement with the Legal Profession Act (“LPA”) and the Rules of the Law Society of Nunavut (“Rules”).
The LSN adopted policies or reaffirmed statutory obligations in light of the NDSP pertaining to:
- Publication of a Notice of Hearing
- Use of electronic means for conducting hearings and mandatory in-person participation
- Public Access to a Member’s Discipline History
- Member Compliance with the Disciplinary Process