False lawyer or illegal practice of law: verify identity and report it to the Barreau
Verify registration on the professional roll, preserve money requests and advice received, then separate illegal-practice reporting, discipline and fraud.
If money or personal information was just stolen, notify the financial institution and police immediately. The Barreau investigates illegal practice but cannot stop a transaction.
Verify the person
Search the professional roll and compare contact details, employer and status. A fraudster may borrow the identity of a real lawyer.
Preserve communications
Keep the website, social profile, full emails, phone numbers, receipts, transfers, retainer, legal advice and prepared documents. Do not alert the suspect if evidence may disappear.
Choose the remedy
Illegal practice concerns an unauthorized person. Conduct by a member instead goes to the syndic, while fraud or threats should also go to police.
Submit the report
Give the Barreau facts showing what the person claimed to be and which legal acts were performed. Identify files or people that may be affected.
Report illegal practice of law — Barreau du Québec