Administrative Law & Professional Discipline
We live in a society increasingly subject to regulation, where government-appointed decision-makers have influence over virtually all aspects of the functioning of business, industry and services by professionals. The practice of administrative law involves advising and representing clients through the decision-making processes of these bodies, and challenging decisions they believe are unfair, incorrect or unreasonable by appeal or judicial review proceedings brought in court.
For professionals facing disciplinary action or licensing issues, the stakes are particularly high. Allegations of professional misconduct, even if unfounded, can threaten a professional’s livelihood and reputation. For professionals who find themselves the target of such allegations, the stress of defending them can be overwhelming and seeing “light at end of the tunnel” (that isn’t a train) can be difficult.
Representing clients effectively in this area requires the ability to parse through the complex backdrop of statutes, regulations and case law applicable to particular cases, close attention to detail in assessing the evidence, and strong advocacy skills in presenting the client’s case, both in regulatory hearings and in negotiations with the regulator over possible alternative resolutions.
The lawyers at GLC have experience, and a record of success, in acting for real estate agents and mortgage brokers in discipline and licensing matters before the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA), formerly the Real Estate Council and Superintendent of Mortgage Brokers of BC, and in matters before the Law Society of British Columbia, the College of Dental Surgeons of BC, the College of Chiropractors of BC and other professional bodies. We have also represented clients in appeals brought to the Financial Services Tribunal (FST) and to the Federal Court of Canada, and in judicial review proceedings brought in court.
