how do you make a complaint against an attorney in pa

How do I file a complaint against an attorney? Contact the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

at one of the following number: If the attorney practices in Philadelphia County, call 215-560-6296

Full Answer

How do I file a complaint with the PA Attorney General?

To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below. For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here. MAIL. If you prefer, you can print the fillable English-language complaint form found here. After signing the completed form, mail it directly to …

Can I file a complaint against my attorney?

 · The complaint should include: Consumer contact information. Attorney’s contact information. Relevant court case information, if applicable. Any previous complaints the consumer has made against the attorney. The specific facts of the case, including the perceived misconduct and supporting evidence.

How do I file a complaint with the Professional Compliance Office?

Be sure to include any attachments and supporting documents (legible copies, no originals) that you wish to provide in support of your complaint. You may request a Statement of Complaint Form by mail, by calling the Professional Compliance Office Hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (if you are calling from within Pennsylvania) or at 1-(717) 783-4849 (if you are calling from outside …

How do I file a disciplinary action against a PA Supreme Court?

 · Criminal conduct. If you are unsure whether your concerns with an attorney involve professional misconduct, in most states you can call or email the disciplinary office and discuss the matter prior to submitting a written complaint. Contact information for attorney regulatory authorities, by jurisdiction: Alabama. Alaska.

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

How do I file a complaint with the Attorney General for PA?

You can download a complaint form from our website at www.attorneygeneral.gov or you can call our toll-free number, 1.800. 441.2555, to have a form mailed to you.

What do you do when your lawyer lies to you?

The rules of legal ethics in most states require attorneys to be honest and to be able to do their job at a certain level of competence. If you feel that your legal representative has lied or misled you, or is performing their duties at a level below that of a competent attorney, you may want to file a lawsuit.

What is the name of the agency in Pennsylvania responsible for handling formal complaints about ethics violations by licensed social workers?

Complaint forms are available by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Paper forms are also available upon request from the State Ethics Commission.

How long do you have to file a civil suit in PA?

two yearsAs in most states, the statute of limitations in civil cases in Pennsylvania is two years. In most cases, this means that victims have two years from the date of their injury to file a civil lawsuit.

What does the attorney general do?

The Attorney General is the adviser to the Government on matters of law and legal opinion and attends Government meetings. They also represent the public in all legal proceedings that involve the enforcement of the law or the protection of public rights.

Can you sue a lawyer for not doing their job?

A claim of malpractice may exist if your lawyer exhibited negligence in your representation. If your lawyer's negligence caused you to suffer harm or a less advantageous outcome or settlement in your case, you may have a claim to sue your lawyer for professional negligence.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•

How often should I hear from my attorney?

There is no set formula for how often you will hear from your attorney. However, the key to a successful attorney client relationship is communication. Whenever there is an important occurrence in your case you will be contacted or notified.

What is an example of unethical behavior?

Someone lies to their spouse about how much money they spent. A teenager lies to their parents about where they were for the evening. An employee steals money from the petty cash drawer at work. You lie on your resume in order to get a job.

What is an unethical practice?

: not conforming to a high moral standard : morally wrong : not ethical illegal and unethical business practices immoral and unethical behavior.

What is ethical and unethical behavior?

Answer. Unethical behavior can be defined as actions that are against social norms or acts that are considered unacceptable to the public. Ethical behavior is the complete opposite of unethical behavior. Ethical behavior follows the majority of social norms and such actions are acceptable to the public.

How to file a complaint against the Pennsylvania Bar Association?

Consumers can make complaints to the Pennsylvania Bar Association Disciplinary Board through the website or by printing or requesting a paper form from them. The complaint should include:

What is a lawyer's hotline?

The hotline is only for members of the bar to request an assessment of their own options in complicated situations. Complaints of misconduct are appropriate when a lawyer is breaking the law or engaging in deceptive conduct or provides such poor-quality service that his clients suffer because of it.

What are the four types of misconduct in a prosecutor?

Academically speaking, there are four types of widely recognized prosecutor misconduct: Offering inadmissible evidence in court. Suppressing evidence from the defense.

Is a disciplinary board investigation confidential?

It’s important to be as thorough as possible as the Disciplinary Board will only investigate the information provided. While these filings are confidential, it’s customary to include the names and contact details of any other people involved in the incident.

Who must appear before the Supreme Court for censuring?

Public Censure ─ Must appear before the Supreme Court for censuring.

Can the PA Bar Association opt for public or private disciplinary measures against an offending lawyer?

The Pennsylvania Bar Association Disciplinary Board can opt for public or private disciplinary measures against an offending lawyer. When consumers request information about a member of the PA Bar Association, complaints and public disciplinary measures are reported. Also, this information is not available through the PA Disciplinary Board Ethics ...

What is a final adjudication order?

Final Adjudications and Orders and board-approved Consent Agreements and Orders generally represent disciplinary action of some sort against a licensee or an unlicensed individual. All disciplinary actions become a permanent part of the licensee's record on file with the respective board or commission. Disciplinary actions are a matter of public record and are subject to release by the Department of State's Office of Communications and Press to various news agencies in the Commonwealth.

How long does it take to file a complaint against a licensee?

The Order to Show Cause sets forth allegations and directs the licensee (Respondent) to file a written Answer to those allegations within 30 days.

How long does it take to hear an answer in court?

After the Respondent files an Answer, the matter is generally scheduled for hearing. If the matter is scheduled for hearing, the case is heard and a decision, known as an Adjudication and Order, is rendered, usually within six (6) months after the evidentiary record has been closed. If the Respondent is unhappy with the outcome, he or she may appeal the decision to Commonwealth Court.

What is disciplinary action?

Disciplinary actions are a matter of public record and are subject to release by the Department of State's Office of Communications and Press to various news agencies in the Commonwealth.

How many professional and occupational licensing boards are there in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Department of State receives complaints concerning the licensees and registrants of the following 29 professional and occupational licensing boards & commissions regulated by the Department's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs.

What is a consent agreement?

Some matters are amenable to settlement by means of a legal document known as a Consent Agreement and Order. Either party, the Commonwealth or the Respondent, may approach the other about a possible settlement. In reaching a settlement, the parties negotiate the facts to which they will agree for the purposes of settlement and also negotiate an agreed-upon penalty that they believe will be acceptable to the applicable licensing board or commission. All Consent Agreements and Orders must be presented to and approved by the applicable licensing board or commission in order to become final.

Where to send a statement of complaint in Pennsylvania?

You may request a Statement of Complaint Form by mail, by calling the Professional Compliance Office Hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (if you are calling from within Pennsylvania) or at 1-717-783-4854 (if you are calling from outside Pennsylvania). Return the completed form to the Professional Compliance Office at: Department of State, Professional Compliance Office, PO Box 69522, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9522. Be sure to include any attachments and supporting documents (legible copies, no originals) that you wish to provide in support of your complaint.

What to do if you believe an attorney has committed professional misconduct?

If you believe an attorney has committed professional misconduct, you have the option of filing a complaint with the attorney regulatory authorities in your juris diction (links below).

What are some examples of attorney practices that violate the Rules?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Failure to provide an accounting of your money or property held by the attorney. Commingling your funds with the attorney's own money. Refusing to return your file at the conclusion of the representation.

What are some examples of attorney misconduct?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Serious neglect of your case. Failure to provide an accounting of your money ...

What to do if you are unsure about an attorney?

If you are unsure whether your concerns with an attorney involve professional misconduct, in most states you can call or email the disciplinary office and discuss the matter prior to submitting a written complaint. Contact information for attorney regulatory authorities, by jurisdiction:

Your Information

By providing your email address, you agree to receive email communications from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Complaint Information

Please explain your complaint: Try to be brief, but be sure to tell WHAT happened, WHEN it happened and WHERE it happened. Be specific about any oral statements the business made to you, ESPECIALLY those that influenced you to deal with the company, including how you heard about the company. Describe events in the order in which they happened.

Do I have to identify myself when I file a complaint?

No, but it is strongly encouraged that you do. Although the Board does accept anonymous complaints, they are much more difficult to investigate.

Filing a Complaint by Mail

There are two versions of our Request for Investigation form available. The first version is for Microsoft Word. If you have Microsoft Word, open the complaint form. You can then fill out most (all but date and signature) of the form in Word, Print It, Sign It, and Mail it to us.

What is probable cause for a complaint?

A person who signs a complaint alleging a violation of the Ethics Act has probable cause for doing so if he reasonably believes in the existence of the facts upon which the claim is based and either: (1) reasonably believes that under those facts the complaint may be valid under the Ethics Act; or (2) believes to this effect in reliance upon the advice of counsel, sought in good faith and given after full disclosure of all relevant facts within his knowledge and information.

What happens if a complaint is not within the jurisdiction of the Commission?

If the matter is not within the Commission's jurisdiction or if the complaint lacks sufficient information, it will not be processed and the complainant will be notified.

What happens if there is no wrongful use of act?

If the Commission determines that there has been no wrongful use of act, the subject may appeal such decision to the Commission at which time the subject must show cause why the complainant violated such provisions.

What is the purpose of consulting with a law enforcement official or agency?

Consulting with a law enforcement official or agency for the purpose of initiating, participating in or responding to an investigation or prosecution by the law enforcement official or agency. Testifying under oath before a governmental body or a similar body of the United States of America.

How much is the penalty for not filing a financial statement?

In addition to any other civil or criminal penalty provided for in the Ethics Act, failure to timely file a Statement of Financial Interests or the filing of a deficient statement may result in a civil penalty of not more than $25 per day up to $250.

How long is a person sentenced to retaliation?

Any person who engages in such retaliatory activity commits a misdemeanor and, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, shall upon conviction be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned for not more than one year, or be both fined and imprisoned. See also, 43 P.S. § 1423 (Whistleblower Law).

Can you file a complaint against the Ethics Act?

Any individual may file a complaint concerning alleged violations of the Ethics Act.

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 the role of a lawyer?

Lawyers are given a lot of responsibility and often deal with serious matters, from criminal charges to child custody to tax and other financial matters. When you hire a lawyer, you are trusting him or her to represent your interests in the best manner possible. To protect the public—and the integrity of the legal profession—each state has its own code of ethics that lawyers must follow. These are usually called the “rules of professional conduct.”

What is a conflict of interest in law?

Conflicts of interest. Lawyers owe a duty of loyalty to their clients, which means they must act with the client’s best interests in mind. This includes avoiding situations that would create a conflict of interest—such as representing two clients on opposite sides of the same case or taking on a new client who wants to sue an existing client.

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 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.