A suspended license means a lawyer cannot practice law in Alberta until the suspension is lifted
When Law Society of Alberta suspends a lawyer's license, that lawyer loses the right to provide legal services, represent clients in court, or hold client money. The suspension is not permanent — it has a defined end date or conditions for reinstatement — but it is a serious disciplinary action that stops the lawyer's practice when ready. The suspension appears on the Law Society's public register, which anyone can search by name.
Suspensions happen for specific violations of the Law Society's rules: failing to pay membership fees, breaching client confidentiality, mishandling trust accounts, failing to comply with a Law Society order, or committing conduct unbecoming a lawyer. The length and terms of suspension depend on the severity of the breach and whether the lawyer has a history of discipline.
Key Takeaways
- You can search the Law Society of Alberta's public register online to confirm whether a lawyer's license is suspended and for how long.
- A suspended lawyer cannot represent you, give you legal information, or handle your money, even if they claim they can work around the suspension.
- If you have an active case or retainer with a suspended lawyer, the Law Society requires them to notify you and transfer your file to another lawyer or return your money.
- Suspensions are temporary and have specific reinstatement dates or conditions, but a lawyer cannot resume practice until the Law Society confirms reinstatement.
How to check if a Calgary lawyer's license is suspended
The Law Society of Alberta maintains a searchable public register on its website. You can search by the lawyer's name and see their current status — active, suspended, retired, or disbarred. The register also shows the date the suspension began and, if available, when it is set to end.
If you are looking for a lawyer to hire, run this search before you meet with them. If you already have a lawyer and want to verify their status, the same search will tell you whether they are currently licensed to practice. A lawyer who is suspended cannot legally provide services, and hiring one puts you at risk of losing money or having your legal matter handled improperly.
What a suspended lawyer must do with your case
When a lawyer's license is suspended, the Law Society requires them to notify all current clients in writing. The lawyer must tell you the suspension date, explain that they can no longer represent you, and give you options: transfer your file to another lawyer, return your file to you, or refer you to a specific lawyer who has agreed to take the case.
If your lawyer has your money — a retainer, a trust account balance, or funds held for a settlement — they must account for it and either return it to you or transfer it to the new lawyer handling your matter. You have the right to request your file and all documents related to your case. If your lawyer does not comply with these requirements, you can file a complaint with the Law Society.
Why licenses get suspended in Alberta
The Law Society suspends licenses for breaches of its rules, which are set out in the Law Society of Alberta Code of Professional Conduct. Common reasons include failure to pay annual membership fees, failure to maintain professional liability insurance, or failure to comply with a previous Law Society order or investigation.
Suspensions also result from conduct breaches: mishandling client trust accounts, failing to keep client information confidential, abandoning a client's case without notice, or committing fraud or dishonesty. The Law Society investigates complaints from clients, other lawyers, or the public, and if it finds a breach, it may suspend the license as a temporary measure while the full disciplinary process continues, or as a final penalty.
The difference between suspension and disbarment
A suspension is temporary. It has an end date or specific conditions the lawyer must meet to resume practice. During the suspension, the lawyer cannot work as a lawyer, but they retain the possibility of reinstatement once the suspension period ends or conditions are satisfied.
A disbarment is permanent. A disbarred lawyer has lost their license entirely and cannot practice law in Alberta again. Disbarment is reserved for the most serious violations — fraud, theft from clients, sexual abuse, or repeated serious breaches after previous discipline. If you see "disbarred" on the register, that lawyer is no longer a member of the Law Society and cannot legally provide legal services under any circumstances.
How a suspended lawyer can get reinstated
Reinstatement depends on the reason for suspension. If the suspension was for non-payment of fees or insurance, reinstatement is usually automatic once the lawyer pays what is owed and meets any other administrative requirements. The Law Society publishes a reinstatement date on the register.
If the suspension was for conduct breaches, reinstatement is not automatic. The lawyer must explore to the Law Society and may be required to complete additional training, pass a professional conduct exam, provide character references, or meet other conditions set by the Law Society. The Law Society reviews the process and decides whether to reinstate, extend the suspension, or proceed to a full disciplinary hearing. This process can take months.
What to do if your lawyer gets suspended mid-case
If your lawyer is suspended while handling your matter, do not assume the case will continue or that your lawyer can work behind the scenes. They cannot. Your first step is to contact the Law Society of Alberta and confirm the suspension date and terms. Then contact your lawyer directly and ask for a written explanation of what happens next and which lawyer will take over your file.
If your lawyer does not respond or does not transfer your file within a reasonable time, file a complaint with the Law Society's complaints department. You can also contact the Law Society's referral service to find another lawyer to take your case. If money is at stake — a retainer you paid, a settlement held in trust, or legal fees — ask the Law Society whether the lawyer's trust account is frozen or whether you need to take steps to recover your funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a suspended lawyer give me legal information informally?
No. A suspended lawyer cannot provide legal services in any form — not formally, not informally, not as a favor. Doing so violates the suspension order and can result in further discipline. If you need legal information, you must hire a lawyer whose license is active.
How long do suspensions usually last?
It varies. Administrative suspensions for non-payment of fees may last weeks to months. Conduct-based suspensions typically range from three months to two years, depending on the severity of the breach. The Law Society's register shows the specific end date for each suspension.
If a lawyer's suspension ends, are they automatically back in good standing?
For administrative suspensions, yes — once the suspension date passes and the lawyer has met any conditions, they are reinstated automatically and can resume practice. For conduct-based suspensions, the lawyer must explore for reinstatement and the Law Society must approve it, which is not automatic.
Can I sue a suspended lawyer for malpractice?
Yes. A suspension does not prevent you from suing for malpractice or breach of contract. You can pursue a civil claim against the lawyer independently of any Law Society discipline. You may also file a complaint with the Law Society's complaints department at the same time.
Where do I find the Law Society of Alberta's public register?
The register is on the Law Society of Alberta's website. Search by the lawyer's name to see their current status, any discipline history, and suspension or disbarment dates. The register is free and open to the public.