Complaints

This page is intended to be used as a guide only.

It is no substitute for legal advice.

Regulation of Attorneys

Attorneys licensed to practice law in Belize are required to act in the best interest of their clients. In fact, attorneys take an oath to abide by laws and rules that are aimed at protecting clients from unethical behavior.

If you have concerns or problems with your lawyer’s actions, you are entitled under law to make a complaint with the General Legal Council (GLC) or retain another lawyer to sue your current attorney.

The GLC is a professional body established under law to uphold standards of professional conduct of attorneys in Belize. The GLC is the only entity empowered to receive and determine complaints made against attorneys. The Bar Association of Belize is not entitled to or empowered to investigate complaints.

Types of Complaints

Typical complaints/issues include the following:

Stealing or not returning property;
Taking or losing your money;
Overcharging or charging differently than agreed;
Failing to carry out your directions or wishes;
Failing to carry out work agreed to be done;
Failing to respond;
Failing to meet Court deadlines;
Failing to update you about the progress of work;
Terminating the attorney/client relationship without giving enough notice or for in insufficient cause; and
Failing to act in your best interest.

The fact that a specific action does not appear in this list does not mean that a complaint cannot be made for other detrimental acts.

Before Filing a Complaint

It is important that you raise any issues with your attorney and make your concerns clear.

It may be that the case or issue can be resolved by explanation. It may be that the case was more complicated and took more time than you realized. Your lawyer may even agree that a mistake was made and seek to rectify or address the issue.

If the attorney is not forthcoming or does not adequately address your concerns, you may wish to file a complaint.

It is important to document the issues you are having. This may involve you:

keeping track of your communication with your attorney and your efforts to reach your attorney;
keeping copies of documents that you have received or sent to your attorney; and
keeping other evidence that may support your complaint.

It is important to keep accurate records as they may be used as evidence.

A complaint should not be delayed and should be made as soon as you are clear about what the issue is, this ensures that the complaint is still fresh in your mind.

Filing a Complaint

It is important to know the types of documents/evidence you will need to file a complaint with the General Legal Council.

You will need to fill out and complete:
Form of Application against an Attorney (Form 1).
Click here for guide to completing Form 1

It is important to be clear on the nature of the complaint you wish to make. A simple description is all that is required.

In addition to completing this form, you will also need to complete:
Form of Affidavit by Applicant (Form 2)
Click here for guide to completing Form 2

This second document is intended to support the first document. This is where you explain the situation and the issue in your own words. It is important that you attach relevant documents such as the retainer, emails between yourself and your attorney, and other documents that support your complaint.

The guides will assist you with completing both forms.

What Happens After?

Your completed complaint along with the affidavit must then be filed with the General Legal Council c/o Secretary of the Bar of Association at email address: secretary@belizebar.bz

Upon receipt of your Complaint, the Secretary of the Bar Association will forward your complaint to the GLC.

The GLC will determine whether your complaint will move forward and will contact you regarding your complaint. It is important that you provide your most recent contact information in your complaint in that event.