how to see if an attorney has any complaints michgian

by Prof. Camryn Beahan 8 min read

When you call, you will speak to one of our Complaint Specialists. If you give them the name of the business, and any other identifying information you have (such as an address or phone number), our Complaint Specialists can check our database to see if the Attorney General has received complaints about that business.

You may use the State Bar of Michigan's free online directory, which lists each attorney's current status.

Full Answer

How to find out about complaints on attorneys?

Call the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division toll-free at 877-765-8388. When you call, you will speak to one of our Complaint Specialists. If you give them the name of the business, and any other identifying information you have (such as an address or phone number), our Complaint Specialists can check our database to see if the Attorney General has received complaints …

How to file a complaint against an attorney?

Google online reviews and complaints. When picking an attorney for any matter, at the very least you should search for reviews online and see what others have said. You can find reviews on Facebook, in popular directories and by simply Googling an attorney by his or her name.

Can attorneys in Michigan work in another state?

Michigan Department of Attorney General Consumer Protection Phone: 877-765-8388 Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Complaints against licensed health professionals (physicians, nurses, etc.) Phone: 517-241-0205 Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services Complaints related to insurance coverage Phone: 877-999-6442

What are attorney general complaints?

Attorney Grievance Commission PNC Center 755 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 2100 Troy, Michigan. 48084 P: 313-961-6585 Hours: 8:30am - 4:30pm

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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 attorney misconduct in Michigan?

The Attorney Grievance Commission processes complaints regarding Michigan Lawyers. Attorney Grievance Commission, PNC Center, 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Ste. 2100, Troy, MI 48084; phone (313) 961-6585.

Who regulates attorneys in Michigan?

The Michigan Supreme CourtThe Michigan Supreme Court (MSC) regulates the practice of law in Michigan.

How do I file a complaint against a law office?

Filing an attorney complaint You may also call the State Bar's multilingual intake hotline at 800-843-9053 (in California) or 213-765-1200 (outside California) to request a complaint form or discuss the complaint-filing process. There is no fee for filing a complaint, and you do not have to be a U.S. citizen.

What should I do when choosing an attorney?

It’s always awkward to ask, “So, when’s the last time you were suspended from practice?”

Look up the attorney on the state bar association website

Each state has its own bar association that grants licenses to attorneys. These associations monitor and discipline lawyers, suspending or disbarring those who violate the code of ethics for that specific state.

Google online reviews and complaints

When picking an attorney for any matter, at the very least you should search for reviews online and see what others have said.

What is the Michigan Grievance Commission?

The Attorney Grievance Commission of Michigan is dedicated to protecting the public and maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. The Commission seeks to encourage and promote the ethical practice of law and the highest standards of professionalism by members of the Bar.

What is the purpose of the Ethics Commission?

The Commission seeks to encourage and promote the ethical practice of law and the highest standards of professionalism by members of the Bar . In carrying out functions of evaluating complaints and enforcing ethical standards for lawyers, the Commission strives for fairness and equity.

What are the rules of practice for lawyers?

The rules of practice include fee issues as well as ethical standards.

What is attorney discipline?

The state board charged with attorney discipline accepts and investigates written complaints about lawyers licensed to practice or practicing in that state. Not every attorney complaint leads to disbarment. Rather, most state boards have a range of possible actions they can take against an offending attorney, including private or public reprimands, suspension for a set period, restitution of money stolen and disbarment. Further, if the board investigates a complaint and finds that the complaint was frivolous or otherwise did not have merit, there will be no record of it.

What are the rules of professional conduct?

The American Bar Association's Model Rules of Professional Conduct, contains best practices for lawyers and is often adapted in part by state regulators. Clients, as well as judges and other lawyers, can file complaints with the state's disciplinary board when they believe that an attorney has violated those standards.

Can you fire an attorney?

Behavior after being fired. Clients always have the right to fire an attorney, and the attorney cannot refuse to release the client's file even if attorneys’ fees haven’t been paid in full. Conflicts of interest.

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Consumer Guides

Browse our legal guides and resources covering a variety of topics. Provided as a public service by Michigan attorneys, the guides provide an easy way to research and find answers to your questions before consulting with an attorney.

TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC

This online member directory provides basic information about attorneys licensed to practice in Michigan. The State Bar of Michigan (SBM) does not endorse and makes no representations about any attorney or advertiser on this site, or any products or services they offer.

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