{"id":358049,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/researching-attorney-discipline.html"},"modified":"2024-02-29T15:06:11","modified_gmt":"2024-02-29T20:06:11","slug":"researching-attorney-discipline","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/researching-attorney-discipline.html","title":{"rendered":"Researching Attorney Discipline"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Researching Attorney Discipline<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Checking an attorney\u2019s disciplinary record helps you confirm they\u2019re licensed and in good standing<\/span>. A quick review of any past sanctions can protect you from hiring a lawyer who isn\u2019t permitted to practice.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Before you hire an attorney for representation or legal services<\/span>, it\u2019s wise to check if the state bar<\/span> has disciplined them. You cannot hire attorneys who are not eligible to practice law in your state. Disbarred<\/span> attorneys can\u2019t give legal advice<\/span><\/a>. Doing so may violate court rules in their jurisdiction.<\/p>\n

States license attorneys to practice law. Attorneys may get their license to appeal cases before the federal circuit. If the bar has suspended or disbarred<\/span> the attorney from the practice of law, they are not allowed to act as an attorney.<\/p>\n

The disciplinary organization investigates a claim if clients or other attorneys file malpractice complaints<\/a> against an attorney. If the attorney has violated any ethical rules, the bar will discipline them as necessary.<\/p>\n

Attorneys must follow their state bar<\/span>\u2019s rules of professional conduct<\/span>. Unethical conduct<\/a> can include:<\/p>\n