The government is fulfilling a request from the Law Society to modernize its disciplinary process for lawyers.

Among other things, the recommended amendments to the Law Society Act would establish a so-called “fitness to practice” committee.

Justice Minister John Hogan says that will provide alternatives to sanctions in extenuating circumstances.

He notes if a person has a serious mental health or addictions issue, sanctioning or suspending them may not be the most helpful course of action, adding the committee removes the adversarial nature of the proceeding.

Other proposed amendments to the Law Society Act include mandatory reporting of suspected criminal activity to police, and the publication of decisions.