How can I file a formal complaint against my lawyer?

When you hire a lawyer, you expect them to be professional and ethical. But what if they aren’t? I’m considering filing a formal complaint for misconduct. Has anyone gone through this process?

I’ve been in the same boat. Start by determining if their behavior qualifies as misconduct.

San said:
I’ve been in the same boat. Start by determining if their behavior qualifies as misconduct.

What counts as misconduct exactly?

Madden said:

San said:
I’ve been in the same boat. Start by determining if their behavior qualifies as misconduct.

What counts as misconduct exactly?

Things like negligence, dishonesty, conflict of interest, etc.

Madden said:

San said:
I’ve been in the same boat. Start by determining if their behavior qualifies as misconduct.

What counts as misconduct exactly?

Yeah, like if they misuse client funds or fail to communicate.

San said:
I’ve been in the same boat. Start by determining if their behavior qualifies as misconduct.

Make sure you have evidence to support your claims.

Lennon said:

San said:
I’ve been in the same boat. Start by determining if their behavior qualifies as misconduct.

Make sure you have evidence to support your claims.

What kind of evidence should I collect?

@Jessie
Emails, billing records, contracts, anything showing their misconduct.

@Jessie
Court documents and witness statements can also help.

Contacting the state bar association is the next step after gathering evidence.

Slate said:
Contacting the state bar association is the next step after gathering evidence.

How do I find my state bar association’s contact info?

JamesHenry said:

Slate said:
Contacting the state bar association is the next step after gathering evidence.

How do I find my state bar association’s contact info?

Usually on their official website.

JamesHenry said:

Slate said:
Contacting the state bar association is the next step after gathering evidence.

How do I find my state bar association’s contact info?

You can search for ‘state bar’ plus your state name.

Slate said:
Contacting the state bar association is the next step after gathering evidence.

Do they require you to try to resolve it informally first?

True said:

Slate said:
Contacting the state bar association is the next step after gathering evidence.

Do they require you to try to resolve it informally first?

Some states do, check their specific procedures.

True said:

Slate said:
Contacting the state bar association is the next step after gathering evidence.

Do they require you to try to resolve it informally first?

Yeah, it’s different depending on where you are.

Filling out the complaint form clearly and concisely is key.

Ari said:
Filling out the complaint form clearly and concisely is key.

Any tips on writing the description of misconduct?

Reagan said:

Ari said:
Filling out the complaint form clearly and concisely is key.

Any tips on writing the description of misconduct?

Stick to the facts and avoid emotional language.

Reagan said:

Ari said:
Filling out the complaint form clearly and concisely is key.

Any tips on writing the description of misconduct?

Include key dates and specific events.