how to file an attorney ethics complaint dc

How do I file a complaint under the Ethics Act?

Sign and date the complaint form or written statement, attach any relevant documents you have, and send it by email to [email protected], fax to 202-638-0862, or mail to: Office of Disciplinary Counsel District of Columbia Court of Appeals 515 5th Street NW Building A, Suite 117 Washington, DC 20001 Confidentiality

How to file a complaint against a licensed DC health professional?

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) was created by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals to investigate and prosecute complaints of ethical misconduct against lawyers licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia who violate the D.C. Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC).. The Rules describe a lawyer’s obligation to clients, the courts, and the general public in …

How do I file a complaint against a lawyer in Washington?

Sep 09, 2021 · 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 a government ethics violation in DC?

Oct 21, 2021 · To file a complaint against a lawyer, read Lawyer Discipline in Washington, review the materials below and either complete the E-Grievance Form online or print and mail the Grievance Form to our office. Resource Links Client Protection Fund Information or Client Protection Fund Application E-Grievance Tips FAQ About the Grievance Process

How to contact the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center?

For clinic locations and times, call the Legal Information Help Line at 202-626-3499. Contact the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center if you are an individual living in poverty who is at risk of losing your home, your livelihood, or your family.

How to resolve issues with an attorney?

Try to resolve issues with your attorney by communicating your concerns clearly and asking for a response. Your attorney should clearly explain the fee agreement and scope of representation, keep you aware of developments in your case, and respond to any reasonable requests you may have for information.

What is the purpose of the Rules of Ethics?

The purpose of this process is to protect the public by disciplining lawyers who violate the ethics rules. Our office cannot consider complaints against judges acting in a judicial capacity.

Can you refer to a lawyer at the Office of Disciplinary Counsel?

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel cannot refer you to an attorney. You may consult the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center to obtain information.

What are some examples of judicial misconduct?

Examples of judicial misconduct include but are not limited to the following: rude, abusive and improper treatment of lawyers, witnesses, jurors, court staff or others, showing bias toward anyone in the courtroom based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, etc., and sleeping or drunkenness or other improper conduct while on the bench.

What is the complaint review process?

The Complaint Review Process. Although the Commission has no prescribed format for lodging a complaint, it does have a suggested complaint form citizens may use. The Commission will consider information concerning possible misconduct from any source or on its own initiative, and will consider complaints made anonymously.

What happens if a complaint is unfounded?

If the Commission determines that insufficient facts exist to warrant an investigation or upon initial review the Commission determines that the complaint is unfounded, the complaint will be dismissed accordingly.

How often does the judicial commission meet?

The Commission usually meets once a month to review all new complaints that have been received and to discuss the progress of on-going investigations. The Commission does not have jurisdiction to review judicial decisions or errors of law and does not provide legal advice to citizens or represent clients.

What does the Commission do when it determines a matter falls within its jurisdiction?

If the Commission determines that a matter falls within its jurisdiction, it may order an investigation. Commission investigations are conducted by the staff and may include contacting witnesses, reviewing court records and other documents and observing courtroom proceedings.

Can the Commission remove a judge from a case?

The Commission cannot remove a judge from a case and have a new judge appointed. In considering claims of misconduct, the Commission looks to the American Bar Association Code of Judicial Conduct (2012) as adopted by the District of Columbia Joint Committee on Judicial Administration, along with the advisory opinions of the Committee on Codes ...

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.

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 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 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.

Resolve a Dispute with Your Lawyer Instead of Filing a Complaint

To ask for our help to reestablish communication, request your client file, or request a billing statement, complete the Request for Assistance Form.

File a Complaint Against a Lawyer

To file a complaint against a lawyer, read Lawyer Discipline in Washington, review the materials below and either complete the E-Grievance Form online or print and mail the Grievance Form to our office.

Intro to Ethics

Ms. Ethics is our introductory ethics video. It is designed to inform District employees of the ethics rules

Ask Ms. Ethics

BEGA presents six short ethics videos which are used to help District employees learn the ethics rules.

Ethics Manual: The Plain Language Guide to District Government Ethics

Learn the provisions of the Code of Conduct using this plain language guide.

What happens after preliminary inquiry?

If after a preliminary inquiry the matter is terminated, both the complainant and subject of the inquiry will be notified. If a complaint is frivolous, the Commission must so state. The subject of an investigation must be notified prior to the initiation of a full investigation of the allegations against said person.

How long does it take to get a full investigation report?

Such reports must be issued within 360 days of the initiation of the full investigation.

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.

Does the Commission keep information?

The Commission will keep information, records, and proceedings relating to any preliminary inquiries and investigations confidential (this includes the identity of the complainant, unless there has been a wrongful use of the act as defined below).

Can you file a complaint against the Ethics Act?

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

Can a public official be discharged?

No public official or public employee shall discharge any official or employee or change his official rank, grade, or compensation, or deny him a promotion, or threaten to do so, for filing a complaint with or providing information to the Commission or testifying in any Commission proceeding.