Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If you are a  Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA) in Ontario and face allegations of non-compliance with the policies of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario (CPA Ontario), the CPA Code of Professional Conduct, or the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario Act, it is essential to seek the guidance of an experienced and skilled professional discipline lawyer. ALF specializes in defending accountants in hearings before the CPA Disciplinary Committee and throughout the complaint and regulatory process.

Being the subject of a complaint or facing allegations of professional misconduct can be overwhelming, frustrating, and detrimental to your career. When you entrust ALF with your case, you gain a trusted advocate who will represent you during investigations, complaints, and hearings, working tirelessly to protect your reputation and livelihood. We understand the serious impact that complaints and allegations can have on your professional standing and financial situation. Our dedicated team works relentlessly to ensure complaints are dismissed and allegations of professional misconduct are found to be without merit.

Defending Against CPA Inspections and Investigations

CPA Ontario has the authority to conduct practice inspections to ensure compliance with its by-laws, statutes, and regulations. An investigator may also be appointed to address specific complaints or concerns. As an accountant, you are required to comply with the investigator’s demands, which can include producing documents and answering specific questions.

The earlier you involve experienced legal counsel, the better the chance we have to protect your reputation, license, and career. ALF accountants' defence lawyers will work with you during an investigation to ensure that all relevant information, demonstrating your competence and integrity, is presented to the investigator. Our goal is to provide CPA Ontario with the information it needs to dismiss any complaints against you.

Handling Complaints and Professional Conduct Committee Reviews

All complaints made to CPA Ontario are reviewed by the Director of Standards Enforcement or the Professional Conduct Committee. At this stage, how you respond to the complaint is critical. A well-crafted response can convince CPA Ontario not to refer the matter to the Discipline Committee, potentially preventing severe consequences.

Consulting with an experienced lawyer at this stage is vital. ALF accountant defence lawyers have the skills to craft persuasive, well-reasoned responses that can influence CPA Ontario’s decision to dismiss a complaint. Early intervention can save you time, money, and most importantly, your professional reputation.

Discipline Committee Hearings and Professional Misconduct Defence

If your case progresses to a hearing before the Discipline Committee, you will face a formal process involving witness testimony, cross-examination, and the submission of evidence. Our team has decades of experience handling such proceedings in Ontario tribunals and courtrooms.

The key to success at this stage is effective, strategic cross-examination of the prosecution’s witnesses. We focus on detailed preparation, skillful questioning, and adapting to responses as they arise. ALF accountants’ defence lawyers will bring the expertise needed to challenge the allegations and secure a favorable outcome.

Appeals and Judicial Review: Protecting Your License

If the Discipline Committee issues a decision that is unfavorable, it can be appealed to the Appeal Committee or, if necessary, judicially reviewed at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Judicial reviews involve analyzing the record of the proceedings and presenting legal arguments before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges.

ALF accountants’ defence lawyers have significant experience with both appellate proceedings and judicial reviews. We are committed to examining the record, identifying errors, and presenting persuasive arguments to protect your reputation, career, and financial well-being.

Why Choose ALF?

• Proven Results: We have a strong track record of achieving favorable outcomes for regulated professionals.

• Respected Advocacy: Our written and oral advocacy is highly regarded across tribunals and courts.

• Competitive Fees: We provide top-tier representation at reasonable rates.

Contact Us Today

If you are a CPA and facing a complaint or investigation, it’s crucial to act quickly. By working with an experienced defense lawyer from the outset, you can protect your practice, reputation, and livelihood.

Get in touch with us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Whether in-person, by phone, or virtually, the ALF team is here to guide you through this challenging process with expertise and dedication.