Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career, If one of your patients has filed a complaint with the College of Kinesiologists of Ontario (“COKO”), you need the expertise of a knowledgeable and skilled professional discipline lawyer by your side. ALF defends kinesiologists in proceedings before COKO. Being the subject of a patient complaint and facing allegations of professional misconduct can be overwhelming, frustrating, and time-consuming. Entrusting ALF with your case means having an experienced and trusted advocate to guide you through the complaints and discipline process. We understand how patient complaints and allegations of professional misconduct can affect your reputation and financial well-being. Our goal is to ensure that complaints are found to be without merit and that professional misconduct allegations are dismissed. Our lawyers are relentless, creative, and tireless in our efforts, and we have a network of expert witnesses to help navigate you through the COKO process.

Investigations and Audits by the College

ALF’s kinesiologist defense lawyers have significant expertise in guiding kinesiologists through the investigatory stage of a COKO complaint and assisting with COKO audits. The earlier you retain skilled defense counsel, the better your chances of protecting 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 information that demonstrates your competence and integrity is presented to the investigator, providing the College with the necessary tools to dismiss any complaints.

Hearings at the Inquiries, Complaints, and Reports Committee (“ICRC”)

The ICRC screens complaints and can refer a kinesiologist to the Discipline Committee for a hearing on professional misconduct or incapacity. The ICRC may also choose other actions, such as issuing a caution, requiring completion of a Specialized Continuing Remediation and Education Program (“SCERP”), or taking any other appropriate measures.

At this stage, it’s critical to consult with a kinesiologist defense lawyer. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee, a caution or SCERP will be published on COKO’s online register, potentially damaging your reputation and financial standing. Kinesiologists have the opportunity to submit written submissions to the ICRC. ALF’s lawyers are skilled in crafting persuasive and strategic submissions to convince the panel to dismiss the complaint. Working early on to have the complaint dismissed can save you valuable time, protect your reputation, and shield your finances.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

Hearings before the Discipline Committee involve witness testimony, cross-examination, presenting evidence, and making submissions. ALF’s team of kinesiologist defense lawyers has extensive experience in these areas, developed over decades of working in tribunals and courtrooms throughout Ontario.

Effective cross-examination of witnesses called by the prosecution can lead to the dismissal of professional misconduct charges. Success depends on careful preparation, targeted questioning, and the ability to adapt to witness responses. ALF’s lawyers bring these skills to your defense, ensuring you have the best opportunity for success.

Hearings Before the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (“HPARB”)

If the ICRC reaches an unfair or unreasonable decision, you have the right to appeal to HPARB. Appeals involve examining the record of the proceedings before the ICRC, preparing legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel.

ALF’s kinesiologist defense lawyers apply their extensive experience to your case, thoroughly reviewing the proceedings to identify errors and develop powerful arguments that maximize your chances of success on appeal. Our trial and appellate experience provide us with the insight needed to carefully examine the record and find legal errors that strengthen your case.

Written advocacy is critical in appeals, and ALF is known for our polished, persuasive submissions. Our experience preparing submissions in numerous Ontario tribunals and courts, including the Divisional Court, the Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada, ensures we are fully prepared to present your case compellingly and effectively.

Judicial Review at the Divisional Court

If HPARB declines to set aside an ICRC decision, or if the Discipline Committee’s decision requires review, a kinesiologist can seek judicial review at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Judicial reviews involve examining the record of the proceedings below, drafting legal arguments, and making oral arguments before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges.

ALF’s kinesiologist defence lawyers have significant experience in judicial review cases, and we will explore every legal avenue to protect your reputation, license, and financial well-being. We are dedicated to defending your interests at every stage of the process.

We Can Help You

ALF is the right firm to handle complaints against you because:

• 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 kinesiologist facing a complaint, it is essential to retain an experienced defense lawyer immediately. ALF may be able to help you avoid serious consequences, such as reputational and financial harm.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation, whether in person, by phone, or virtually. Put your trust in ALF’s team of highly skilled kinesiologist defence lawyers with proven experience.