how to file a complaint on an attorney in mass

Inquiries concerning the professional conduct of an attorney admitted to practice in Massachusetts may be initially handled by the Attorney and Consumer Assistance Program (ACAP) of the Office of the Bar Counsel. ACAP issues all complaint forms and can be reached at (617) 728-8750.

Full Answer

How do I file a consumer complaint in Massachusetts?

Walk-ins will be encouraged to file complaints online or call our office. Questions can be made to the Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Can I file a complaint against my attorney?

Filing a complaint against an attorney is a serious matter, and should be limited to significant problems. Issues like slowness to respond, curtness, lack of empathy, condescension, or even sloppy legal work - while often meriting a cautionary review on Avvo - will rarely suffice.

How do I contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's consumer hotline?

Questions can be made to the Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. The hotline is staffed from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What should I do when I fill out my complaint?

When you fill out your complaint, provide as much information as you can. You can file your complaint anonymously. Our office will review your complaint as soon as we can. We receive many complaints, so it may take several weeks to decide whether we will investigate your claim.

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 contact the Attorney General of Massachusetts?

PhoneSpeak with a Consumer Specialist (617) 727-8400.Call us in Boston (617) 727-2200.Call us in New Bedford (508) 990-9700.Call us in Springfield (413) 784-1240.Call us in Worcester (508) 792-7600.

What constitutes the practice of law in Massachusetts?

The practice of law in this state is defined as: (1) Representing litigants in court and preparing pleadings and other papers incident to any action or special proceedings in any court or other judicial body; (2) Conveyancing; (3) The preparation of legal instruments of all kinds whereby a legal right is secured; (4) ...

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

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.

Is Massachusetts an attorney state?

Massachusetts is one of few so-called "attorney states" in the U.S. when it comes to real estate transactions.

What is unauthorized practice of law?

Singla. “Unauthorized practice of law” (UPL) is an act sometimes prohibited by statute, regulation, or court rules. Definition. The definition of “unauthorized practice of law” is variable, and is often conclusory and tautological, i.e., it is the doing of a lawyers or counsellor's work by a non-lawyer for money.

Which one of the following actions is considered the unauthorized practice of law?

The crime of unauthorized practice of law in California consists simply of: Either advertising or holding oneself out as practicing or entitled to practice law, OR actually practicing law, While one is not an active member of the California State Bar or otherwise authorized to practice law by a statute or court rule.

Which of the following is considered unauthorized practice of law?

According to Black's Law Dictionary, the unauthorized practice of law is 'The practice of law by a person, typically a non-lawyer, who has not been licensed or admitted to practice law in a given jurisdiction.

Is attorney higher than a lawyer?

A lawyer is an individual who has earned a law degree or Juris Doctor (JD) from a law school. The person is educated in the law, but is not licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania or another state. An attorney is an individual who has a law degree and has been admitted to practice law in one or more states.

What does Esq stand for?

Esquire"Esq." or "Esquire" is an honorary title that is placed after a practicing lawyer's name. Practicing lawyers are those who have passed a state's (or Washington, D.C.'s) bar exam and have been licensed by that jurisdiction's bar association.

What are the ranks of lawyers?

Work Your Way UpSummer Associate.Junior Associate.Senior Associate.Partner.Managing Partner.Of Counsel Attorney.

What to do when filling out a complaint?

When you fill out your complaint, provide as much information as you can. You may want to have pay stubs, handbooks, or other records related to your problem with you as you fill out the complaint form. If you have these documents, please keep them available in case someone from our office asks to see them. You cannot attach documents ...

How to punish an employer for unpaid wages?

penalize your employer with a civil citation that may require your employer to pay unpaid wages and a penalty. file criminal charges against your employer. give you a “private right of action” letter that allows you to sue your employer for your unpaid wages and other damages.

Can I attach documents to a complaint?

You cannot attach documents to your complaint. You do not need to have these documents in order to file a complaint. Due to the COVID-19 emergency, walk-ins to the AG’s physical office locations will not receive in-person service. Walk-ins will be encouraged to file complaints online or call our office.

Can you file a complaint against child labor?

Anyone with information about a possible violation of a child labor law may file a complaint. Choose this option if you are complaining about a violation of the Domestic Violence Leave Act. Choose this option if you believe that you were not paid the proper prevailing wage for work on a public project.

What is a copy of a complaint?

A copy of the complaint or claim and a copy of the answer to the complaint or claim. Please include the name of the case, the name of the court or agency where the case is pending and the docket number of the case.

What is a copy of a letter to an attorney?

A copy of any correspondence (letters, emails, texts) to the attorney requesting your file or asking for a response. (If you did not keep copies, please begin to do so).

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 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 is the rule of civil procedure 11?

Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 11, by signing below, I certify to the best of my knowledge, information,and belief that this complaint: (1) is not being presented for an improper purpose , such as to harass, causeunnecessary delay, or needlessly increase the cost of litigation ; (2) is supported by existing law or by anonfrivolous argument for extending, modifying, or reversing existing law; (3) the factual contentions haveevidentiary support or, if specifically so identified, will likely have evidentiary support after a reasonableopportunity for further investigation or discovery; and (4) the complaint otherwise complies with therequirements of Rule 11.

What are the two types of cases that can be heard in federal court?

Generally, only two types of cases can beheard in federal court: cases involving a federal question and cases involving diversity of citizenship of theparties. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1331, a case arising under the United States Constitution or federal laws or treatiesis a federal question case. Under 28 U.S.C. § 1332, a case in which a citizen of one State sues a citizen ofanother State or nation and the amount at stake is more than $75,000 is a diversity of citizenship case. In adiversity of citizenship case, no defendant may be a citizen of the same State as any plaintiff.

File a Complaint

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What happens when I file a complaint?

If your complaint meets our complaint acceptance criteria, your complaint will be sent to the business within approximately two business days.

How long does it take for OPA to acknowledge a complaint?

If you present a complaint, your care will not be affected in any way. If you send a complaint by fax, e-mail or written letter, OPA will acknowledge your communication within two business days.

How long does it take for OPA to process a grievance?

If your complaint cannot be resolved in a timely manner, it will become a grievance. OPA will review and resolve the grievance within 10 business days.

What is the phone number for the Office of Patient Advocacy?

If you have a problem that you cannot solve with your doctor, nurse or other caregiver, please call the Office of Patient Advocacy. 617-726-3370. Patients, families, visitors or staff can contact the Office of Patient Advocacy with a concern.