how to file a complaint against an attorney in louisiana

Complaints can be filed by any person, not just a client, in one of two ways:

1. By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. ...
2. By writing a letter to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel which includes your name, address and telephone number. ...

Full Answer

How do I file a complaint against an attorney?

All complaints regarding attorneys must be received in writing. Complaints can be filed by any person, not just a client, in one of two ways: By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

Who is responsible for a complaint against a lawyer in Louisiana?

Lawyer Complaints. The Louisiana State Bar Association promotes the dignity of the legal profession and upholds ethical behavior, but has no jurisdiction over attorney discipline, which is the charge of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board.

How does the Office of Disciplinary Counsel handle complaints?

Each complaint is reviewed and screened by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) to ensure that it falls within the jurisdiction of the disciplinary agency and to determine whether or not it warrants a full disciplinary investigation.

What can I do if I don't have a lawyer in Louisiana?

Also, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit or criminal charges against the lawyer. The Louisiana State Bar Association cannot provide legal advice, so you should consult a new lawyer or the district attorney's office about these matters.

How to file a complaint against a lawyer?

What is the LSBA fee dispute resolution program?

Can you file a civil lawsuit against a lawyer in Louisiana?

Does the Louisiana State Bar have a discipline board?

See 1 more

About this website

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 report an attorney for wrongdoing?

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.

How do I report someone to the Louisiana Bar Association?

Complaints can be filed in on of two ways: (1) By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel. You can obtain a complaint form in person at the offices of the Disciplinary Counsel, or you can call 800-326-8022 to request that one be mailed to.

How do I report an ethical violation in Louisiana?

The Complaint Form can be completed online and sent electronically. It can also be printed for mailing or faxing. Complaints may also be filed by calling the Fraud and Abuse Hotline at 1-866-801-2549. The Office of State Inspector General is located at 602 North Fifth Street, Sixth Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801.

What is the most common reason for an attorney to be disciplined?

Professional misconduct is the most common reason for attorney discipline. Lawyers can also be disciplined for conduct in their personal lives.

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

Which complaints must the Louisiana Real Estate Commission investigate?

The Louisiana Real Estate Commission has been given the authority to investigate any issue they feel needs checking, but MUST investigate ALL written, verified complaints. The Commission must contact the author of the written complaint to verify that the person who signed the complaint is the one who sent it in.

Who is the governing authority for licensing and monitoring attorneys in Louisiana?

Welcome to the LADB In 1990, the Supreme Court of Louisiana established the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, a statewide agency to administer the lawyer discipline and disability system.

Who is on Louisiana Supreme Court?

Founded in 1813, the Louisiana Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort and has seven judgeships. The current chief of the court is John L. Weimer....Justices.JudgeAppointed ByJohn L. WeimerElectedJames GenoveseElectedWilliam J. CrainElectedJay B. McCallumElected3 more rows

What is the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics?

The Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits the: 1111A - Receipt of a thing of economic value from a source other than the governmental entity for the performance of official duties and responsibilities.

What are my rights as an employee in Louisiana?

Louisiana employees have the right to minimum wage, time off work, and more. Are you a Louisiana employee? If so, you should be aware of your rights at work. State and federal laws prohibit discrimination, require payment of minimum wage, and give you the right to take leave from work, among other things.

Who can file an ethics complaint against a realtor?

Anyone who believes that a REALTOR has exhibited unethical conduct that may violate the REALTOR Code of Ethics may file an Ethics Complaint against that REALTOR.

What is it called when an attorney misrepresented you?

Legal malpractice or legal misrepresentation may occur when you have suffered a loss of potential earnings, an unfair trial, or a claim because your case wasn't thoroughly presented or there was negligence on your attorneys' part.

Where would a person report the misconduct of a lawyer in AZ?

the State Bar of ArizonaTo report attorney misconduct you must contact the State Bar of Arizona. Once a report of attorney misconduct is received, the State Bar of Arizona will make a determination if the conduct warrants the filing of a formal complaint.

How do I file a complaint against a bar in Missouri?

There is a form for filing a complaint at the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel's website at www.mochiefcounsel.org. The telephone number for the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel is (573) 635-7400.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney in Arkansas?

Complaints against attorneys may be filed with the Arkansas Judiciary's Office of the Committee on Professional Conduct. Grievance forms are also available on the Arkansas Judiciary website. The office can be reached by calling (501) 376-0313.

List of Currently Disciplined Practitioners - United States Department ...

*These practitioners were expelled from practice prior to January 13, 2012. The term expelled has been replaced by the term disbarred, which has the same meaning and effect.See 77 Fed. Reg. 2,011, 2,013 (Jan. 13, 2012).. For more information about a practitioner's disciplinary history, click on the date highlighted in gold.. To determine whether a practitioner has been previously disciplined ...

How to Report a Lawyer for Ethics Violations | Lawyers.com

Lawyers are human, and like everyone else, they sometimes make mistakes when representing clients. In some cases, the mistakes are small and easily fixable—for example, not filing enough copies of a document with the court or needing to reschedule a meeting.

Louisiana State Bar Association | Bar Association Directory

The Louisiana State Bar Association is the largest bar association in Louisiana. It is mandatory that all Louisiana attorneys register with the Louisiana State Bar. The LBA is responsible for processing all ethical violation complaints against attorneys who practice law within Louisiana.

How to File a Complaint against an Attorney - California

Once you’ve decided to take your grievance about an attorney to the State Bar, you need to file an attorney complaint form.

List of Attorney Directories by State Bar Associations - Lawyer Legion

How to Search for an Attorney by Speciality. All of these directories allow you to search for the attorney by name. Many of the directories have advanced search features that allow you to search for all attorneys in a particular geographical area or narrow your search based on whether the attorney speaks a specific foreign language or attended a particular law school.

Where to file a complaint in Louisiana?

Complaints can be filed by any person, not just a client, in one of two ways: By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel . Complaint forms can also be obtained from the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board in Metairie or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Baton Rouge, or by calling (800) 326-8022 or (225) ...

How is a complaint reviewed?

Each complaint is reviewed and screened by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) to ensure that it falls within the jurisdiction of the disciplinary agency and to determine whether or not it warrants a full disciplinary investigation. If the complaint falls within the jurisdiction of the agency, and if no further details are needed from the complaining party at that time, ODC will send a copy of the complaint to the lawyer, who is asked to submit a written response to the complaint. If, after completing the screening process, ODC determines that a full disciplinary investigation is not necessary, it will refer the matter to the LSBA Practice Assistance Program for Diversion or simply administratively decline to open and conduct an investigation.

What is formal disciplinary proceeding?

Commencement of a formal disciplinary proceeding, which is marked by the filing of formal charges against the lawyer. A formal disciplinary proceeding is required whenever discipline more serious than a private admonition is believed to be necessary.

What is the phone number for ODC in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816. Phone: (225) 293-3900 or (800) 326-8022. If additional information is needed, it will be requested by ODC. If you have difficulty corresponding in writing, a personal interview may be arranged after your written complaint is filed.

How to write a letter to the office of disciplinary counsel?

By writing a letter to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel which includes your name, address and telephone number. Please describe what the lawyer did or failed to do and include all important information, including attorney name, address, phone numbers and dates of events. If any letters, agreements or other documents are available, please submit them to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

Can ODC file charges?

If the chairperson approves ODC’s request, ODC may proceed with the filing of formal charges. (The chairperson may grant partial approval on whatever portions of the request meet the probable cause standard.) Upon receiving the permission of a hearing committee chairperson, ODC may file formal charges.

Why do lawyers complain?

Probably 75% of complaints against lawyers result from lack of communication. “My lawyer never calls me back” is probably the single biggest complaint. Although failing to return your calls is not grounds to complain by itself, usually this particular failure to communicate leads to suspicions by the client that something is wrong or is being hidden.

Which category of attorneys has the highest number of complaints?

Statistically, categories with the highest number of complaints include family practitioners, personal injury attorneys, criminal defense attorneys and those who handle estate and succession matters.

Can you file a complaint against a lawyer in Louisiana?

Complaints about a lawyer are taken very seriously. That is why a complaint about an attorney’s ethics should not be filed unless you have absolutely no other avenue open to you. The Louisiana Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over complaints about lawyers. Complaints are initially screened by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel, which is under the Supreme Court.

How to file a complaint against an attorney?

All complaints against attorneys must be filed with Office of the Disciplinary Counsel. Complaints can be filed in on of two ways: (1) By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel. You can obtain a complaint form in person at the offices of the Disciplinary Counsel, or you can call 800-326-8022 to request ...

What is the Louisiana attorney's board?

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, which was established by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in 1990, is tasked with the responsibility of investigating all allegations of lawyer misconduct and with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Court when discipline is warranted. The agency consists of a statewide board, hearing ...

What is the LSBA fee dispute?

The LSBA Lawyer Fee Dispute Resolution Program was formed to resolve legal fee disputes between attorneys and clients as well as attorneys and other lawyers. If you are having a fee dispute with an attorney you may obtain the forms, rules, and guidelines to initiate the LSBA Lawyer Dispute Resolution. You may also contact (504) 619-0110 for more information or write to 601 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA. 70130-3427.

Why do we have grievances?

The grievance process exists to protect the public. Disciplinary Board members and hearing committee members are not paid for their work, but volunteer to do this work in order to maintain the standards of the legal profession. By bringing a complaint to the disciplinary agency’s attention, the public helps the legal profession achieve its goal. The Office of the Disciplinary Counsel and the Disciplinary Board cannot represent you or give you legal advice. They cannot sue an attorney on your behalf, or seek the return of money or property from the attorney.

What are the rules of professional conduct in Louisiana?

The Supreme Court of Louisiana has adopted high standards of ethics and professional competence for lawyers who practice in Louisiana known as the Rules of Professional Conduct. When lawyers enter practice in Louisiana they obligate themselves to uphold the law and to abide by these Rules of Professional Conduct.

Can a disciplinary board represent you?

The Office of the Disciplinary Counsel and the Disciplinary Board cannot represent you or give you legal advice. They cannot sue an attorney on your behalf, or seek the return of money or property from the attorney.

Can you sue an attorney in Louisiana?

They cannot sue an attorney on your behalf, or seek the return of money or property from the attorney. What is The LSBA Client Assistance Fund? The Client Assistance Fund is a public service of the legal profession in Louisiana. It was created to compensate clients who lose money due to a lawyer’s dishonest conduct.

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:

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 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 misconduct?

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

Who can file a complaint with the state?

Any person, including public employees, may file complaints or provide information concerning the operation of state government with the Office of State Inspector General. Complaints may be filed anonymously.

Where is the Inspector General's office in Baton Rouge?

Complaints may also be filed by calling the Fraud and Abuse Hotline at 1-866-801-2549. The Office of State Inspector General is located at 602 North Fifth Street, Sixth Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801.

Can an audit result in a public report?

Audits and investigations may result in public reports. Audits and investigations may also be concluded without further action upon determination that the allegations raised cannot be substantiated, or, in the judgment of the State Inspector General, are too insignificant to warrant a public report. The Office of State Inspector General conducts ...

How to file a complaint against a lawyer?

To register a complaint against a lawyer with the lawyer discipline system, you should contact the Disciplinary Counsel's office. To make a complaint with the Disciplinary Counsel's office or obtain a complaint form, write to the following:

What is the LSBA fee dispute resolution program?

The LSBA Lawyer Fee Dispute Resolution Program can help to resolve legal fee disputes between attorneys and clients as well as attorneys and other lawyers. Visit this program if you are having a fee dispute with an attorney and wish to obtain the forms, rules, and guidelines.

Can you file a civil lawsuit against a lawyer in Louisiana?

Also, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit or criminal charges against the lawyer. The Louisiana State Bar Association cannot provide legal advice, so you should consult a new lawyer or the district attorney's office about these matters.

Does the Louisiana State Bar have a discipline board?

The Louisiana State Bar Association promotes the dignity of the legal profession and upholds ethical behavior, but has no jurisdiction over attorney discipline, which is the charge of the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board.