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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A Yellowknife defence lawyer is facing an inquiry into her conduct after complaints were made concerning her representation of legal aid clients.

The Law Society of the NWT is holding an inquiry for attorney Patrice Taylor on Dec. 8 under provisions of the Legal Profession Act. The website for the law society states the hearing will be held to address complaints Taylor failed to serve legal aid clients "in a conscientious, diligent, efficient and competent manner by engaging in a pattern of neglect and mistakes in different matters."

The notice of the hearing also lists allegations that Taylor did not appear or appeared late four times for clients in Yellowknife and once in Behchoko between 2006 and 2007. Taylor is also alleged have called a client "a liar" during an appearance in territorial court on Dec. 15, 2005.

Linda Whitford, executive director of the law society, said Taylor is not currently suspended. She is listed on the website as authorized to practise in both the NWT and Nunavut. Lawyers facing an inquiry have usually been the subject of a disciplinary complaint, said Whitford. She said anyone may file a complaint, however, "You have to have grounds. You can't just file a complaint."

Concerning the inquiry for Taylor, Whitford said she "cannot comment on ongoing investigations or ongoing matters."

A message left for Taylor at her office was not returned by press time.