Where to file a complaint against a lawyer in texas

The Texas Ethics Reporter publishes opinions about attorney ethics and disciplinary actions to facilitate understanding in this area. To enforce this standard, the State Bar of Texas investigates and prosecutes complaints of professional misconduct against attorneys licensed in Texas.

Any references in the answers to "our" are references to the State Bar of Texas authorities. If you have any further questions about this process, please call the Office of the General Counsel of the State Bar of Texas at toll-free.

Please call for the location of our nearest office or mail your postage and handling fee along with name and address to State Bar of Texas, Office of the General Counsel, P. Box , Austin, Texas The State Bar will then examine the complaint and determine whether an actual violation is claimed. Not all disputes or disagreements with lawyers involve professional misconduct, but if you believe misconduct under the rules has occurred, you should file a complaint. The nature of the punishment will vary with the seriousness of the misconduct and other factors.

Punishment may include private or public reprimands, suspension or disbarment. However, the State Bar cannot force a lawyer to pay a debt. Nor can the State Bar force a lawyer to reduce or refund a fee. The State Bar can punish a lawyer for failing to return a client's file, but cannot force a lawyer to return the file.

The State Bar cannot reverse a criminal conviction, even if the conviction was the result of lawyer misconduct. Finally, dissatisfaction with the result achieved by the attorney usually does not involve professional misconduct. It is important to know that signing the grievance form waives the attorney-client privilege, which would otherwise keep discussions between your lawyer and you confidential. Ask a Question. Guided Forms. Informative Articles.

More Resources. Court Information. Helpful Non-Legal Organizations. Types of Legal Help. Legal Assistance. Find Help. Legal Help Directory. Qualifying for Legal Aid. Working with Private Attorneys. Professional Use Only Forms. Search Search. What rules are lawyers required to follow? Should I file a grievance? Is there a statute of limitations on filing a grievance?

Do I have to be the client in order to file a grievance against a lawyer? How do I file a grievance? What happens after I file a grievance? Can I amend and re-file my grievance?

Can I appeal the dismissal of my grievance at this classification stage? What happens if my grievance does state a rule violation? What happens after the just cause investigation is completed? What happens if my complaint proceeds to an evidentiary hearing?

Can I appeal an evidentiary panel's decision if I don't agree with it? Evidentiary decisions are not appealable by the complainant. What happens if my complaint proceeds to trial in district court? If I disagree with the result reached at a district court trial, can I appeal? District court decisions are not appealable by the complainant. What happens if just cause is not found? What is a summary disposition panel and who is on it? How will I know what happens with a grievance that I file?

What happens to lawyers who have been found guilty of professional misconduct? The forms are also available in pdf format: English or Spanish. Please be sure to send copies of all supporting documents such as letters, pleadings court documents , emails, etc. Do not send originals. If you are reporting the conduct of your current or former lawyer, it is important to know that signing the grievance complaint form waives the attorney-client privilege that would otherwise keep discussions between you and your lawyer confidential.

Waiver of this privilege is necessary for the State Bar to review your complaint. Fill out the grievance form completely. Answer every question as best you can. Be sure to attach copies not originals of any documents that you believe will help explain your grievance.

Box Austin, Texas Or fax it to The first step in the process is a review and determination of whether the grievance, on its face, alleges professional misconduct. This determination is referred to as classification of the grievance and is made within 30 days of the filing of the grievance If it alleges facts that, if true, would be a violation of the disciplinary rules, it will be classified as a formal complaint. If it does not allege facts that are a violation, it will be classified as an "inquiry" and dismissed.

You will be notified of this decision. You may appeal a dismissal to the Board of Disciplinary Appeals , and its decision is final. If you have new or additional information that was not included in your first grievance, you may amend your grievance and re-file it within twenty 20 days of the date you receive the dismissal notice.

If your grievance becomes a formal complaint , the attorney in question will be informed and asked to respond to the allegations within 30 days.