how do i file a complaint against an attorney in washington state

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

How do I file a complaint with the Washington state attorney general?

Call with Questions1.800.551.4636 (in Washington only)206.464.6684.1.800.833.6388 (Washington State Relay Service for the hearing impaired)

How do I file a complaint against a bar in Washington state?

For additional information on filing a complaint, and for tips on how to avoid consumer ripoffs, visit the Consumer Protection Division website at www.atg.wa.gov/file-complaint. You may also call the Consumer Hotline at 1-800-551-4636 (1-800-833-6384 TTD). Include your U.S. mail address with any complaint.

How do I contact the attorney general in Washington state?

Telephone1-800-551-4636 (in-state only)1-206-464-6684 (out-of-state callers)1-800-833-6388 (Washington State Relay Service for the hearing impaired)

Who should you first contact with a consumer complaint?

Start your complaint with the seller or manufacturer. If they don't help, seek help from your local government or a consumer organization.Mar 16, 2022

How do I file a complaint with the attorney general's office?

If you cannot complete the form online or need additional assistance with where to direct your complaint, please call our OAG Help Line at (800) 771-7755. Filing a false complaint is punishable as a Class A Misdemeanor. We need complaints in writing.

Does Washington State Bar have reciprocity?

Washington has reciprocity with: AK, CO, CT, DC, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NH, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WV, WI, and WY.

Who is the attorney general for Washington state?

Bob Ferguson (Democratic Party)Washington / Attorney generalRobert Watson Ferguson is an American lawyer and politician serving as the 18th attorney general of Washington. A member of the Democratic Party, he was first elected in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020. Prior to serving as Attorney General, Ferguson was a member of the King County Council. Wikipedia

How do I complain about a business?

10 Effective Ways to Complain About a Company OnlineGo to the company website. ... Contact the Better Business Bureau. ... Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). ... Check out the Ripoff Report. ... Email [email protected]. ... Try Yelp. ... Post on Planet Feedback. ... Google your attorney general.More items...

How much does an assistant attorney general make in Washington state?

The typical Attorney General of Washington State Assistant Attorney General salary is $95,083 per year. Assistant Attorney General salaries at Attorney General of Washington State can range from $69,396 - $133,169 per year.Mar 8, 2022

What are the duties of the attorney general?

The principal duties of the Attorney General are to:Represent the United States in legal matters.Supervise and direct the administration and operation of the offices, boards, divisions, and bureaus that comprise the Department.More items...•Oct 8, 2021

Who is the superintendent of public instruction for Washington State?

Chris ReykdalWashington Superintendent of Public InstructionCurrent OfficeholderChris ReykdalElectionsNext election:202414 more rows

How long does it take to respond to a complaint?

Should you have any new information, you should send it to the attention of that person. Most firms will respond, but it may take three weeks or more from the time you first register your complaint. If we don’t get a response within a reasonable time, we will attempt to contact the firm again.

What happens if you are over the limit in small claims court?

If the amount claimed by you is over the limit handled by Small Claims Court, a private lawsuit may be necessary. The state Consumer Protection Act provides a remedy for individuals who have been harmed by unfair or deceptive business practices.

What to include in a complaint letter?

If your complaint is concerning a service, include a description of the service and the name of the person who performed it. In most cases, a letter will result in a satisfactory settlement. However, if the manufacturer or business does not cooperate, you may want to take additional steps. ADDITIONAL STEPS.

Why is a complaint letter important?

Complaint letters are important because a business may ignore a complaint if it is not in writing. Sometimes the person who has the authority to solve the problem may not be aware of your complaint, and a letter brings it to their attention. WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A COMPLAINT LETTER.

Can I write my own statement in lieu of filling out a form?

You may write your own statement in lieu of filling out a form. Your statement should clearly include your name, address, phone number, and the details of your complaint.

Can a disciplined attorney disclose a complaint?

Disciplinary Counsel may not publicly disclose that the complaint has been filed. The D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct requires the Disciplinary Counsel to treat complaints as confidential matters until the attorney has been served with a petition instituting formal charges or has agreed to be formally disciplined.

Can a supervisor retaliate against a state employee?

An agency, manager, or supervisor may not retaliate against a state employee who, after making a reasonable attempt to ascertain the correctness of the information furnished, files a complaint with the appropriate ethics board.

Do you have to provide your name when filing a complaint?

You are not required to provide your name. However, if you choose not to provide your name, we are unable to keep you updated on the progress of our investigation, or to consult with you regarding the details of your complaint. Under RCW 42.52.410 (3) (a), a state employee who files a complaint with the appropriate ethics board shall be afforded ...

How to file a complaint against a lawyer?

In most states, you can file your complaint by mailing in a state-issued complaint form or a letter with the lawyer's name and contact information, your contact information, a description of the problem, and copies of relevant documents. In some states, you may be able to lodge your complaint over the phone or online.

What happens if a client fires a lawyer?

When a client fires a lawyer and asks for the file, the lawyer must promptly return it. In some states, such as California, the lawyer must return the file even if attorneys’ fees haven’t been paid in full. Lawyer incompetence. Lawyers must have the knowledge and experience to competently handle any case that they take on.

What is the role of a disciplinary board in a state?

State Disciplinary Boards. Each state has a disciplinary board that enforces state ethics rules for lawyers. The board is usually an arm of the state’s supreme court and has authority to interpret ethics rules, investigate potential violations, conduct evidentiary hearings, and administer attorney discipline.

What is incompetence in a lawyer?

Lawyer incompetence. Lawyers must have the knowledge and experience to competently handle any case that they take on. They must also be sufficiently prepared to handle matters that come up in your case, from settlement negotiations to trial. Conflicts of interest.

What is a public reprimand?

issue a private reprimand (usually a letter sent to the lawyer) issue a public reprimand (usually published in the agency’s official reports and a local legal journal or newspaper ) suspend the lawyer (the lawyer cannot practice law for a specific time) disbar the lawyer (the lawyer loses his or her license to practice law), and/or.

What happens if you don't report a violation of the law?

If there's no evidence of a violation, the board will dismiss the case and notify you. If the violation is minor, a phone call or letter to the lawyer usually ends the matter.

What are the rules of professional conduct?

The American Bar Association publishes the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which lists standard ethical violations and best practices for lawyers. Some states have adopted the model rules as their own ethical rules, while others use it as a guide and modify or add rules.