Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If you are a chiropractor facing a complaint from a patient to the College of Chiropractors of Ontario  (CCO), it’s critical to seek the help of a skilled professional discipline lawyer. Aouchiche Law Firm(ALF) specializes in defending chiropractors in proceedings before the CCO. Being the target of a complaint and allegations of professional misconduct can be stressful, overwhelming, and damaging to your career. By entrusting ALF with your CCO case, you will have an experienced advocate who will guide you through every stage of the complaints and discipline process. We understand the serious impact that complaints and allegations of misconduct can have on your reputation and finances. Our goal is to help ensure that the complaint is found to be without merit and that any allegations of misconduct are dismissed. Our team works relentlessly and creatively to protect your livelihood and professional standing, drawing on a network of expert witnesses to assist in navigating the CCO process.

How Can We Assist You?

Investigations and Audits by the College

ALF chiropractors defense lawyers have substantial experience guiding chiropractors through the investigatory stages of a CCO complaint and assisting with CCO audits. The earlier you engage defense counsel, the better chance we have to preserve your reputation, license, and livelihood. During an audit, we will work closely with you to ensure you are fully prepared. In an investigation, we will ensure that all relevant evidence demonstrating your competence and integrity is presented to the investigator, providing the College with the information it needs to dismiss any complaints against you.

ICRC Proceedings

The Inquiries, Complaints and Reports Committee (ICRC) screens complaints against chiropractors and may refer cases to the discipline committee for further hearings on professional misconduct or incapacity. Alternatively, the ICRC can issue a caution, mandate a specialized continuing education program (SCERP), or take other actions it deems appropriate.

It is crucial to consult with a lawyer at this stage. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the discipline committee, any caution or SCERP will be publicly noted on the CCO’s online register, which can damage your reputation. ALF chiropractor defense lawyers specialize in crafting compelling written submissions that aim to have the complaint dismissed early on, helping to protect your time, finances, and reputation.

Discipline Committee Hearings

If your case advances to a hearing before the Discipline Committee, you’ll need experienced representation. Our team has decades of expertise in handling witness testimony, evidence presentation, and cross-examinations in tribunals and courtrooms across Ontario.

A well-executed cross-examination of the prosecution's witnesses can play a pivotal role in securing the dismissal of professional misconduct charges. Success depends on meticulous preparation, targeted questioning, and the ability to adapt to responses. ALF chiropractor defense lawyers bring these skills to your defense to ensure the best outcome for your case.

HPARB Appeals

If the ICRC makes an unjust or unreasonable decision, chiropractors can appeal the outcome to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). These appeals involve thorough analysis of the ICRC’s record, and the drafting of written legal arguments, and may include oral arguments before a panel.

Our experienced lawyers will carefully review the case record to identify any errors and develop persuasive arguments for a successful appeal. With our strong trial and appellate experience, we are well-positioned to find the most compelling legal arguments to support your case.

Critical to success in appeals is high-quality written advocacy—ALF’s written submissions are clear, persuasive, and well-prepared, honed through years of experience in Ontario tribunals, as well as courts including the Divisional Court, Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada. When the time comes to present your case, we’ll be fully prepared to make a compelling argument on your behalf.

Judicial Review at the Divisional Court

If HPARB or the Discipline Committee upholds an unfavorable decision, chiropractors can seek a judicial review at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Judicial reviews examine the record of the proceedings, focus on legal arguments, and involve oral submissions before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges. ALF chiropractors defense lawyers are skilled in arguing cases before the Divisional Court and will work to protect your reputation, professional license, and financial future by exploring every avenue of legal recourse.

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 chiropractor 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.