All regulated professionals owe a legal duty of care and impartiality to their clients. Some of regulated professions include accountants, real estate agents and brokers, lawyers and paralegals, engineers, dentists, massage and occupational therapists. All such professions have a regulatory body and/or professional association which provide extensive information and guidance on ethical and professional standards. These standards are in place in order to protect both the professionals and the public in general. Non-compliance with rules can result in disciplinary actions, including suspension and termination of professional licenses, and civil law suits, which may result in substantial financial loss.

The most common principle among professional code of conduct is that of honesty, trust and full disclosure. All professionals have a duty of being open with his/her client. Where a conflict of interest exists, i.e. when working with conflicting clients, the professional has a duty to notify both of such conflict and, normally, withdraw his/her assistance.

Professionals should check with their associations frequently to stay up to date with regulatory standards.

If you have been a victim of professional misconduct or are accused of such, call Access Legal Services PC – we can help.