"proceedings"

means any proceedings in or before any court of law or any tribunal or functionary having the powers of a court of law, or having the power to issue, grantor recommend the issuing of any licence, permit or other authorisation for the performance of any act or the carrying on of any business or other activity, and includes any professional services rendered by the legal practitioner concerned and any arbitration proceedings, but excludes any criminal proceedings or any proceedings in respect of any family law matter;