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File a Complaint

How to File a Complaint

ONLINE

  • To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below.
  • For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here.

MAIL

If you are unable to complete and/or submit a complaint because of a physical disability, please contact the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

Expectations

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

  • An acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint and assignment of a file number for future reference;
  • A fair and impartial investigation performed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), wherein staff may communicate with you, the attorney, and in some cases, other parties, to obtain information;
  • An efficient disposition of your complaint, being mindful of the complexity of the matter, cooperation of all parties, and availability of documents, among other things, which may affect the duration of the investigation; and
  • To receive official notification of the disposition of your complaint.

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT EXPECT?

  • Assistance or advice from the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
  • Direction from the Disciplinary Board or ODC to your attorney to take or refrain from a particular action;
  • Representation by the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
  • A referral by the Disciplinary Board or ODC to a new lawyer to handle your matter; or
  • Reimbursement or other monetary compensation through the process.*

FEE DISPUTES

  • Fee disputes are not normally handled within the attorney disciplinary process. Individuals should pursue fee disputes with the Bar association in the county where the attorney practices.


* If you sustained a financial loss as a result of your attorney’s dishonest conduct, you may file a claim with the Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security (PaLFCS). Claim forms and additional information may be found on the PaLFCS website at www.palawfund.com.

ONLINE

  • To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below.
  • For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here.

MAIL

If you are unable to complete and/or submit a complaint because of a physical disability, please contact the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.

WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?

  • An acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint and assignment of a file number for future reference;
  • A fair and impartial investigation performed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), wherein staff may communicate with you, the attorney, and in some cases, other parties, to obtain information;
  • An efficient disposition of your complaint, being mindful of the complexity of the matter, cooperation of all parties, and availability of documents, among other things, which may affect the duration of the investigation; and
  • To receive official notification of the disposition of your complaint.

WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT EXPECT?

  • Assistance or advice from the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
  • Direction from the Disciplinary Board or ODC to your attorney to take or refrain from a particular action;
  • Representation by the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
  • A referral by the Disciplinary Board or ODC to a new lawyer to handle your matter; or
  • Reimbursement or other monetary compensation through the process.*

FEE DISPUTES

  • Fee disputes are not normally handled within the attorney disciplinary process. Individuals should pursue fee disputes with the Bar association in the county where the attorney practices.


* If you sustained a financial loss as a result of your attorney’s dishonest conduct, you may file a claim with the Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security (PaLFCS). Claim forms and additional information may be found on the PaLFCS website at www.palawfund.com.

Online Complaint Form

A. Complainant

B. Attorney Complained of:

Lookup An Attorney

C. Litigation

If the attorney complained of represented or represents you in litigation (civil or criminal) please provide the caption, court, and docket number of the case.

D. Prior Complaints Concerning this Matter or this Attorney

Have you previously filed a complaint concerning this matter or this attorney with the Disciplinary Board, a Bar Association or its Fee Dispute Committee, any District Justice, Court, District Attorney or any other agency or office:

E. Statement of Complaint

A written and signed statement of the facts must be filed with the Disciplinary Board before your complaint can be considered. Therefore, please fully and completely set forth all of the facts and circumstances of your complaint below in the text box. Please be specific, referring to relevant dates, contacts you made with the attorney, the fee arrangement, amounts paid to the attorney and when, services to be performed, the names and addresses of other individuals involved in the legal matter, exactly what conduct you believe is unethical or illegal, etc.

Attachments

Do you plan on submitting documentation?

Please explain why you are not providing documentation

How do you plan to submit your documents?

F. Confidentiality

Staff of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) and the Board are required to maintain the confidentiality of complaints and related investigations and proceedings unless and until one of the exceptions to confidentiality, as set forth in Enforcement Rule 402, applies. ODC staff may interview the respondent-attorney or other persons who may have information that is relevant to your complaint, and may disclose information when disclosure is permitted or required by Court or Board Rules.

G. Immunity

Enforcement Rule 209(b) provides that any person who communicates with Disciplinary Counsel or the Board relating to misconduct by a respondent-attorney or gives testimony before a hearing committee or special master in a proceeding conducted pursuant to the Enforcement Rules, shall be immune from civil suit based upon such communication or testimony.

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