Quick Facts about Lawyer/Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)’s Code of Conduct
Lawyers and RCICs are both regulated occupations. This means they must follow many rules when conducting their practice. By knowing their code of conduct, you can better protect yourself.
Here are some of their responsibilities that matter to you the most:
1. A lawyer/RCIC must not guarantee the outcome of your application. You do not want to hold onto a lie and pay money for it.
2. It is also a lie if a lawyer/RCIC says their connection can influence the outcome of your application.
3. The code of conduct prevents a lawyer/RCIC from saying their service is the best. If you see such a slogan, you should question it.
4. A lawyer/RCIC must not tell you to provide false information or withhold critical information. Misrepresentation is serious.
5. You make decisions on your application, not your lawyer/RCIC. Their advice should be clear and understandable enough for you to make every decision. Surprises in the legal realm are usually negative.
Things to remember when hiring a lawyer/RCIC
1. Check their licence. A lawyer/RCIC works so hard to get their licence. There is no reason for them to hide it.
2. Ask if they have any communication service standards. Having trouble getting hold of a lawyer/RCIC is not what you want, not to mention the potential delays.
3. Check your retainer agreement specifically on services provided, fees, termination, and refund before signing it.
4. The lawyer/RCIC’s level of attention to your application weighs more than their expertise.
5. You may rely on reviews/popularity only when you decide to hire a lawyer/RCIC, but you know absolutely nothing about them.