{"id":358072,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:22","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/where-can-i-file-a-complaint-against-my-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2023-10-12T10:47:24","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T15:47:24","slug":"where-can-i-file-a-complaint-against-my-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/where-can-i-file-a-complaint-against-my-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Where Can I File a Complaint Against My Lawyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Where Can I File a Complaint Against My Lawyer?<\/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

You can file a complaint about your lawyer with your state’s disciplinary committee or bar association. The process for these complaints varies by state. Attorney disciplinary actions can involve warnings, suspension, or even disbarment.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Clients expect their attorneys to provide the best representation possible. The\u00a0American Bar Association\u00a0expects that, too.<\/p>\n

The Rules of Professional Conduct, used by every\u00a0state bar association<\/a>, define the ethical and professional behavior required of attorneys. If a lawyer violates these ethical rules or a client has other complaints, the state bar or the state’s\u00a0disciplinary counsel\u00a0takes over.<\/p>\n

Clients who suffer a monetary loss because of their attorney’s misconduct can file a\u00a0legal malpractice lawsuit<\/a> to recover damages. If you have concerns about your lawyer’s errors, review your options with a malpractice attorney<\/a> in your state.<\/p>\n

Types of Attorney Complaints<\/h2>\n

An old lawyer’s joke involves clients who are only happy when they win. This may be true, but sometimes, clients have valid\u00a0reasons to complain<\/a>\u00a0about their lawyers. Some of the most common complaints involve lack of communication, fee disputes, and negligent lawyer conduct.<\/p>\n

You can resolve some client-attorney disputes simply by finding another attorney. The attorney-client relationship is no different than any other relationship, and some people don’t get along. Other times, the attorney may not have the right qualifications for the case, or the client misunderstood the fee agreement<\/a>. This is not unethical conduct.<\/p>\n

Professional misconduct occurs when the attorney’s actions seriously affect the outcome of the case or violate attorney-client privilege<\/a>. These actions can include:<\/p>\n