Protect Your Practice, Reputation, and Career

If one of your patients has filed a complaint with the College of Midwives of Ontario (“CMO”), you need the support of an experienced and skilled professional discipline lawyer. ALF defends midwives in proceedings before the CMO. Facing patient complaints and allegations of professional misconduct can be overwhelming, frustrating, and time-consuming. By entrusting ALF with your CMO case, you ensure that an experienced advocate will guide you through the complaints and discipline process. We understand the serious impact that patient complaints and professional misconduct allegations can have on your reputation, career, and financial situation. Your livelihood may depend on having the complaint dismissed and any allegations cleared. Our lawyers work tirelessly and strategically to protect your interests, and we also have a network of expert witnesses to support you throughout the CMO process.

Investigations and Audits by the College

ALF’s midwife defence lawyers have significant experience in guiding midwives through the investigatory stages of a CMO complaint and assisting with CMO audits. The earlier you engage quality defence counsel, the better the chance we have to protect your reputation, license, and career. In an audit, we will work closely with you to ensure you are fully prepared. During an investigation, we will ensure that all relevant information demonstrating your competence and professionalism is presented to the investigator, helping the College gather the evidence needed to dismiss any complaints against you.

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

The ICRC screens complaints and can refer a midwife to the Discipline Committee for a hearing on professional misconduct or incapacity. The ICRC can also opt not to refer the case to the Discipline Committee but instead issue a caution, require attendance at a specialized continuing remediation and education program (“SCERP”), or take other appropriate actions.

It is critical to consult with a lawyer for midwives at this stage. Even if the ICRC does not refer the complaint to the Discipline Committee, cautions and SCERPs are published on the CMO’s online register, which can have a negative impact on your professional reputation and financial well-being. Midwives have the opportunity to make written submissions to the ICRC, and ALF’s defense lawyers have the skill to craft compelling, persuasive arguments that may lead to the dismissal of the complaint. Early action to seek dismissal can save your reputation, time, and finances.

Hearings Before the Discipline Committee

Hearings before the Discipline Committee involve witness testimony, cross-examination, evidence presentation, and submissions before the panel. ALF’s team of midwife defense lawyers is highly experienced in these areas, having worked in tribunals and courtrooms across Ontario for decades.

Effective cross-examination of witnesses called by the prosecution is essential in achieving the dismissal of professional misconduct charges. The key to success is thorough preparation, precise and targeted questioning, and the ability to adapt to the witness’s responses. ALF’s lawyers bring these critical skills to your defense, ensuring that your case is presented in the strongest possible light.

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

If the ICRC issues an unfair or unreasonable decision, midwives can appeal to the Health Professions Appeal and Review Board (HPARB). These appeals involve examining the record of proceedings before the ICRC, preparing written legal arguments, and sometimes presenting oral arguments before a panel.

ALF’s experienced midwife defense lawyers will thoroughly review your case, identifying any errors and building powerful arguments for your appeal. Our trial and appellate experience ensures that we examine every detail of your case, crafting the strongest possible legal strategies for success.

Written advocacy plays a critical role in appeals, and ALF is known for delivering polished and persuasive written arguments. We have years of experience preparing submissions in Ontario tribunals and courts, including the Divisional Court, Court of Appeal for Ontario, and the Supreme Court of Canada, so we are fully prepared to argue your case effectively on appeal.

Judicial Review at the Divisional Court

If HPARB upholds a decision by the ICRC or the Discipline Committee, you can seek judicial review at the Divisional Court of Ontario. Judicial reviews also apply to decisions made by the Discipline Committee. These proceedings involve reviewing the record of prior proceedings, drafting legal arguments, and presenting oral arguments before a panel of Ontario Superior Court judges.

ALF’s midwife defense lawyers are experienced in handling cases before the Divisional Court. We will explore all available options to help safeguard your reputation, your license, and your financial future.

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 midwife and have been the subject of a complaint, it is crucial to retain an experienced midwife defense lawyer immediately. ALF can help you avoid severe consequences, such as reputational damage and financial hardship.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. We are available to meet with you in person, by phone, or virtually. Put your trust in the ALF team of skilled midwife defense lawyers with proven experience to navigate you through the process and protect your career.