Reporting a Lawyer for Ethics Violations
Every lawyer has responsibilities towards his client and is bound by a code of ethics that governs their professional conduct. While the majority of lawyers adhere to these standards, most states have appointed a Disciplinary Counsel to investigate and act on violations when they occur. Basically, investigations by the Disciplinary Counsel are only if clients complain directly with them.
Complaints may concern ethical violations that clients feel the lawyer has committed. Other practicing lawyers can also file complaints. There are numerous cause of violation of the ethics, but the most complains are filled when there is a lawyer failed to communicate with the client, when the lawyer neglects to return the client's documents, the lawyer failed to safeguard client property, in case of conflict of interest, misrepresentation, fee or funds are missing, non-professional conduct in handling of cases.
If a problem occurs with a lawyer, the client must file a complaint to the counsel in the state in which the lawyer is licensed. Typically the process for filing a complaint involves either filling out a form provided by the Bar Association in the particular state (California), or writing a detailed letter. The detailed letter should include the lawyer's name, address, phone number, the circumstances under which the lawyer was hired and a description of the problem.
Regarding the review of the complaint, it will be done by a board of lawyers and non-lawyers reviews the complaint. If there might be some ethical violation, the lawyer given 10-25 days to address the complaint. The case will either be dismissed if no evidence of a violation is found, or it will remain open. In case of a minor violation, the lawyer will receive a disciplinary warning. But if the violation is serious, the lawyer will be called for a hearing.
Bear in mind that all information will remain confidential until it is released to the lawyer in question. The Disciplinary counsel will require the signature of the person filing the complaint on the complaint form or letter in case there is a need to testify in court. But in some states, you can also make anonymous complaint if the issues affect the general public or if the board itself is able to bring the issue against the lawyer without further evidence from a client.
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