The North Carolina State Bar has a duty to the public to complete its investigation. Browse the Rules that govern attorneys. Reasons for filing a complaint against a lawyer include: Mishandling and misappropriation of funds or other property held by attorney lawyer for a client or third party. First, an attorney or panel of attorneys will review the complaint and decide whether the complaint is worth investigating. Many people file complaints against their lawyers for the wrong reasons, and the disciplinary board does not want to waste time and money on meritless complaints. Attorney/Client Disputes If you have a complaint against an attorney, you may contact the Attorney Disciplinary / Grievance Committee. The type of case or legal matter from which the complaint grows is (i.e., a divorce case, a criminal case, a damages lawsuit, etc. View an attorney’s contact information and disciplinary history. Unfortunately, these state agencies are famous for moving at a slow pace, not pursuing complaints vigorously, and communicating poorly with people who file complaints. However, if you believe that your lawyer is guilty of misconduct or malpractice, you may file a grievance with a disciplinary agency or a legal malpractice complaint in state court, or both. The office you need to contact depends upon the location of your lawyer's office. The lawyer refuses to return a client’s file after a request is made. However, if you let your State Bar lawyer know that you want to withdraw your grievance and why, the Grievance Committee will consider that when making a decision about your file. 2440 Louisiana Blvd. To register a complaint against a lawyer with the lawyer discipline system, you should contact the Disciplinary Counsel's office. Search Supreme Court and Disciplinary Board Actions. Getting compensated. Please note that the New York State Unified Court System does not have jurisdiction to investigate complaints concerning representation by attorneys. Complaints Against State Court Judges and Court Officers. If the State bar concludes that your lawyer violated an ethics rule, your lawyer may face: Probation -- If the violation is minor, your lawyer may be monitored and his practice restricted for a set amount of time. Any lawyer can lose a case or disagree with a client. It will, however, file charges against any lawyer it believes may have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct. Neither loss nor disagreement alone is sufficient grounds to file a complaint against your lawyer. Before filing a complaint, the client should try to discuss the problem candidly and openly with the attorney. Still, it is important to report a legal skunk. Search Supreme Court and Disciplinary Board Opinions. To obtain a copy of How to File a Complaint Against a Lawyer as a printed brochure, or if you need any more information about how to file, contact the VSB Intake Office at (804) 775-0570. File a Complaint. The lawyer seems to have a substance abuse problem that affects his/her ability to practice. Once you file a grievance against a lawyer, you cannot withdraw it. ): Is the case or legal matter still pending? Private reprimand --This is a written reprimand from the state bar that will go into your lawyer's permanent file. Search Opinions. Look Up an Attorney. Accepting a fee to do legal work, and not doing the work within a reasonable length of time. Search Recent Discipline. Many agencies wait until they have several similar complaints about a particular attorney before taking action. The lawyer has not paid the client’s part of the settlement after the case has settled. Callers outside the 804-area code may dial toll free 1-866-548-0873 for a brochure. The lawyer failed to appear in court or has missed deadlines. To make a complaint with the Disciplinary Counsel's office or obtain a complaint form, write to the following: Disciplinary Counsel 4000 South Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite 607 Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816-4388 Clients may become dissatisfied with their attorneys for many reasons, but unless there is a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct, discipline will not be imposed. File a complaint against an attorney. Complaints against New York State judges may be filed with the.