What does an administrative lawyer in London do?
An administrative lawyer helps people and businesses deal with government agencies and tribunals, the bodies that decide matters like tenancy, human rights, licensing, and benefit disputes. Most of this work happens in front of a tribunal rather than a judge. Many of Ontario's tribunals sit under Tribunals Ontario, including the Landlord and Tenant Board, the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and the Licence Appeal Tribunal. A London lawyer might prepare your evidence, argue the hearing, and, if a decision is wrong in law, ask a court to review it.
That court step is a judicial review, heard by the Divisional Court, a branch of the Superior Court of Justice. The local courthouse is the Superior Court of Justice at 80 Dundas Street in downtown London.
Which tribunals handle these disputes?
It depends on the problem. A rent or eviction dispute goes to the Landlord and Tenant Board, a discrimination complaint to the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, and an auto insurance benefit dispute or a driver's licence suspension to the Licence Appeal Tribunal, all under Tribunals Ontario. Each tribunal has its own forms and rules, and many hearings now run by phone or video.
Workplace injuries follow a separate path. A claim starts with the WSIB, and if you disagree with its final decision you can appeal to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal, an independent body that's the last level of appeal. A lawyer or a licensed paralegal can represent you at most of these tribunals.
How long do you have to challenge a decision?
Move quickly, because the window to ask a court to review a tribunal decision is short. An application for judicial review generally has to be filed within 30 days of the decision, and while the Divisional Court can extend that time, it doesn't have to. Individual tribunals also set their own deadlines to request a reconsideration or appeal internally, often tighter still.
Missing a deadline can end a strong case before it's heard, so get advice as soon as you receive a decision you disagree with. A lawyer can tell you whether the right step is a reconsideration, an internal appeal, or a judicial review.
How do you choose an administrative law firm in London?
Look for a firm that regularly appears before the tribunal your case involves, since a landlord and tenant matter, a human rights complaint, and a WSIB appeal each call for different experience. Ask who will handle the hearing, whether they've argued judicial reviews at the Divisional Court, and how they charge, since some administrative work is billed hourly and some at a flat rate. Firms based in London also serve the surrounding communities, from Strathroy to Middlesex Centre.
You can confirm any lawyer's standing on the Law Society of Ontario directory. Browse the administrative & regulatory law firms in London below.
