how can you find out if a lawyer has been disbar in va

by Reid Johnson II 9 min read

The Supreme Court of Virginia has adopted rules requiring that the disciplinary process be confidential unless the lawyer receives public discipline (admonition, public reprimand, suspension or revocation) or a matter is scheduled on the VSB’s public hearing docket maintained by the Clerk of the Disciplinary System.

For complete information about an attorney's record before January 1991, contact the clerk of the disciplinary system at (804) 775-0573.

Full Answer

How do I find out if a lawyer has been disciplined?

To find out whether an attorney has been disciplined, you must first determine the state or states in which an attorney is licensed, and then go to the website for the bar association for that state. The American Bar Association maintains an online listing of each state’s lawyer disciplinary agency.

What does it mean when a lawyer is disbarred?

Disbarment is a serious punishment reserved for lawyers who’ve seriously violated ethics rules in their practice. To be disbarred, you have to convict a crime directly related to your practice as a lawyer. Being disbarred is a serious matter and is one of the most severe penalties a lawyer can face.

How to file a complaint against a lawyer in Virginia?

Please include your email address and phone number on the complaint form. To obtain a copy of How to File a Complaint Against a Lawyer as a printed brochure, or if you need any more information about how to file, contact the VSB Intake Office at (804) 775-0570. Callers outside the 804-area code may dial toll free 1-866-548-0873 for a brochure.

Can a lawyer be investigated or disciplined by the VSB?

The VSB does not investigate or discipline a lawyer solely on the quality of the lawyer’s advice or strategy. However, a lawyer may be investigated or disciplined for certain serious situations, such as missing important deadlines, failing to file required documents or abandoning a client's case. Rude behavior by an attorney.

What is disbarment proceedings?

Under Section 27,23 Rule 138 of the Rules of Court, a lawyer may be disbarred on any of the following grounds, namely: (1) deceit; (2) malpractice; (3) gross misconduct in office; (4) grossly immoral conduct; (5) conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; (6) violation of the lawyers oath; (7) willful ...

How do you find out if an attorney has been disciplined in NY?

The New York court system has added records showing whether an attorney has been disciplined to its publicly available online database.

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.

Are disbarment proceedings confidential?

- Proceedings against attorneys shall be private and confidential. However, the final order of the Supreme Court shall be published like its decisions in other cases.

What to do if you are dissatisfied with your lawyer?

Your problem might be the result of some misunderstanding. Tell your lawyer why you are dissatisfied and ask for a full explanation of what is bothering you.

Where to file a complaint against a judge?

Complaints about judges in their judicial capacity. Complaints about state court judges are handled by the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission at P.O. Box 367, Richmond, Virginia, 23218-0367, telephone (804) 786-6636. For information about making an complaint about a federal court judge, contact: Clerk, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 1100 East Main Street, Room 501, Richmond, VA 23219-3517, telephone (804) 916-2700.

What is the confidentiality requirement for a lawyer?

The confidentiality requirement means that the VSB cannot and will not discuss your complaint with anyone except you, the lawyer about whom you complain, people who might have information about your complaint, and other persons within the attorney disciplinary system. The VSB requests that you protect the confidentiality of the system by not discussing your complaint or our investigation with others.

What is a civil dispute with a lawyer?

Civil disputes with a lawyer, such as the lawyer’s failure to pay a bill to someone who has provided goods or services directly to the lawyer, unless it appears that the lawyer impro perly handled client funds.

Does the VSB open disciplinary cases?

For example, the VSB will not open disciplinary cases on: Complaints about a lawyer’s fee. If you cannot resolve a fee dispute with your lawyer and wish to receive information about fee dispute resolution, you may want to contact the Virginia State Bar's Fee Dispute Coordinator. For a referral or a copy of the program rules, ...

Does Virginia have a confidentiality requirement?

However, the confidentiality requirement will not protect you from a civil lawsuit by a lawyer who believes he or she has been wrongly accused. Virginia law controls this aspect of complaints against lawyers, and the VSB has no control over it. If you have concerns about this area of the law, you should consult a private lawyer for advice.

Does the VSB investigate a lawyer?

The VSB does not investigate or discipline a lawyer solely on the quality of the lawyer’s advice or strategy. However, a lawyer may be investigated or disciplined for certain serious situations, such as missing important deadlines, failing to file required documents or abandoning a client's case.

How to find out if an attorney has been disciplined?

To find out whether an attorney has been disciplined, you must first determine the state or states in which an attorney is licensed, and then go to the website for the bar association for that state. The American Bar Association maintains an online listing ...

What is the best way to contact a lawyer before hiring?

Before hiring any attorney, it is important to contact the lawyer disciplinary agency in the state in which the attorney practices to confirm that the attorney is a member in good standing of his or her state bar. Most attorneys are licensed in one state only; some are licensed in many.

Why are attorneys disciplined?

Attorneys can be disciplined for various reasons - from failing to pay their bar dues to misappropriating client funds to gross ethical violations. Some attorneys who have been disciplined are no longer eligible to practice law.

What happens if an attorney is sued?

If a complaint is made against an attorney, the state's organization will investigate the claim and determine whether or not the attorney has violated any ethical rules. If so, the organization will discipline the attorney as appropriate.