how do i file a complaint about a lawyer in bellingham wa

by Tristin Weimann 10 min read

To file a complaint against a lawyer, read Lawyer Discipline in Washington, review the materials below and either complete the E-Grievance Form online or print and mail the Grievance Form to our office. Resource Links Client Protection Fund Information or Client Protection Fund Application

www.atg.wa.gov/safeguarding-consumers
Local office: 103 E Holly street, Suite 310, Bellingham, WA 98225 360-778-5790 Consumer Resource Center 1-800-551-4636 Link to email available on website One of the roles of the Attorney General's Office is to protect the public by upholding the Consumer Protection Act.

Full Answer

How do I file a complaint against a lawyer in Washington?

To file a complaint against a lawyer, read Lawyer Discipline in Washington, review the materials below and either complete the E-Grievance Form online or print and mail the Grievance Form to our office.

Where can I send attorney complaints?

In many states, a division of the courts handles these complaints. This is typically referred to as the disciplinary board. Some states rely on their state bar associations to discipline their attorneys. You can find out where to send attorney complaints by looking at your state court system's website.

How do I file a complaint against a company?

Download a PDF file or call to request a form by mail. Our call centers are open M-F 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Our staff will evaluate your complaint. The complaint will be assigned to a staff member. In most cases that person will send a copy of your complaint letter, and supporting documents, to the business and ask for a response.

How to file a complaint against an attorney for professional misconduct?

If you believe an attorney has committed professional misconduct, you have the option of filing a complaint with the attorney regulatory authorities in your jurisdiction (links below). Filing a complaint against an attorney is a serious matter, and should be limited to significant problems.

What does filing a complaint with the attorney general do?

Complaints are used by the Attorney General's Office to learn about misconduct and to determine whether to investigate a company. However, the Attorney General's Office cannot provide legal advice or assistance to individuals.

How do I file a complaint against a judge in Washington state?

The Commission's mailing address is: P.O. Box 1817. Olympia, WA 98507....To file a complaint, you may:File your complaint on our website.Download our complaint form and then submit it by mail or fax.Submit a letter detailing:

How do I file a complaint against a business in Washington State?

If you have a complaint about a business, you can contact the Better Business Bureau at 206-431-2222 and also the Consumer Protection division of the Washington State Attorney General's Office at 206-464-6684 or 1-800-551-4636 .

How do you report a business?

Check out 10 effective ways and online destinations to file complaints that a company will pay attention to.Go to the company website. ... Contact the Better Business Bureau. ... Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). ... Check out the Ripoff Report. ... Email spam@uce.gov. ... Try Yelp. ... Post on Planet Feedback.More items...

Can a judge refuse to look at evidence?

The answer is yes he could. It doesn't mean it's the right decision, but since the Judge controls everything that happens in the courtroom, he controls what comes into evidence. If the judge makes the wrong decision and I ultimately lose the case, I can appeal on that precise issue.

What is judicial corruption?

Judicial corruption means 'all forms of inappropriate influence that may damage the impartiality of justice and may involve any actor within the justice system, including, but not limited to, judges, lawyers, administrative Court support staff, parties and public servants'.20.

What happens if a business does not respond to BBB complaint?

Consumer will be notified of the business response when the BBB receives it and will be asked to respond. If the business fails to respond, the consumer will be notified. Complaints are generally closed within approximately 30 calendar days from the date filed.

How do I contact the attorney general of Washington state?

Telephone1-800-551-4636 (in-state only)1-206-464-6684 (out-of-state callers)1-800-833-6388 (Washington State Relay Service for the hearing impaired)

Who protect consumer rights?

Federal consumer protection laws are mainly enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Does filing a complaint with BBB do anything?

While the BBB cannot force a company to do anything, the BBB does offer consumers valuable insight into companies and may be able to resolve issues through arbitration.

What does the Better Business Bureau actually do?

Through the support of their BBB Accredited Businesses, BBBs work for a trustworthy marketplace by maintaining standards for truthful advertising, investigating and exposing fraud against consumers and businesses, and providing information to consumers before they purchase products and services.

How do you politely complain about service?

Here are five simple tips to help you stay calm, be polite and get what you want when you complain in English.Start politely. ... Make your request into a question. ... Explain the problem. ... Don't blame the person you are dealing with. ... Show the you are in the know.

How long does it take to respond to a complaint?

Should you have any new information, you should send it to the attention of that person. Most firms will respond, but it may take three weeks or more from the time you first register your complaint. If we don’t get a response within a reasonable time, we will attempt to contact the firm again.

What happens if you are over the limit in small claims court?

If the amount claimed by you is over the limit handled by Small Claims Court, a private lawsuit may be necessary. The state Consumer Protection Act provides a remedy for individuals who have been harmed by unfair or deceptive business practices.

What is the name of the board that handles complaints against lawyers?

In many states, a division of the courts handles these complaints. This is typically referred to as the disciplinary board . Some states rely on their state bar associations to discipline their attorneys.

What happens if a complaint is found to be true?

If the complaint is found to be true, the disciplinary board can fine the attorney, force the attorney to attend classes or perform community service, or take away the attorney's license. The disciplinary board typically does not give the person who complained about the attorney any money.

What is disciplinary action for an attorney?

For attorneys, a disciplinary action is very serious as it can directly affect their ability to earn a living. It may be best to first try and resolve any dispute you have with the attorney on your own.

Do lawyers make mistakes?

Most lawyers do their most to provide the best representation possible. However, every so often lawyers do not act properly or make serious mistakes, and in those cases their clients can file a complaint with the entity responsible for overseeing the practice of law in their state.

What to do if you are unsure about an attorney?

If you are unsure whether your concerns with an attorney involve professional misconduct, in most states you can call or email the disciplinary office and discuss the matter prior to submitting a written complaint. Contact information for attorney regulatory authorities, by jurisdiction:

What are some examples of attorney practices that violate the Rules?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Failure to provide an accounting of your money or property held by the attorney. Commingling your funds with the attorney's own money. Refusing to return your file at the conclusion of the representation.

What are some examples of attorney misconduct?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Serious neglect of your case. Failure to provide an accounting of your money ...

How many complaints does the Consumer Resource Center receive?

Consumer Resource Center: The Consumer Resource Center processes thousands of consumer complaints and thousands of consumer telephone calls every year. As a result of the informal complaint resolution of the 25,000 written consumer complaints, the CRCs help return more than $4 million to the consumers of the state each year.

What is the legal services provided by the state?

Legal Services Provided (to the state) The division represents the state and the public as a whole, as opposed to individuals, when it brings actions under the Consumer Protection Act. Attorneys in the Consumer Protection Division cannot represent individual consumers.

What is the Consumer Protection Division?

The Consumer Protection Division provides information and education to businesses and the public on consumer issues and issues alerts and press releases to warn consumers and businesses about fraudulent or predatory activities.

What is lemon law?

The Lemon Law program provides important information to consumers regarding their rights and remedies under the Lemon Law and the Lemon Law arbitration process . The Lemon Law program also provides consumer and industry education and enforcement regarding manufacturer and dealer obligations under the law.

Small Claims Filing In Bellingham

Are you looking forward to File a Small Claim in the Bellingham court? A person can file a complaint in small claim courts if the dispute is of a certain amount of money against a person, company or government agency. If you are looking for a company in Bellingham who may help you in legal matters of a small claim, call us or come to use.

Who May Claim in Small Claims Courts Bellingham?

An individual who is 18 years old or above, may file a claim in Small Claim Court in Bellingham. We will get your claim filled in the relevant court. We provide services of Small Claims for both individuals and companies in Bellingham.

Process of Filing Small Claim in Bellingham

There is a simple process to file your small claims in the court of Bellingham.

Mediating in Small Claim Court Bellingham, WA

Mediating in small claims court is the best method of resolving disputes in a more mature way. We, in Bellingham try to solve save your relations and provide the best counseling. We try our best to get you out of your worries and recommend you call us to fix your problems.

File Small Claims Court Online in Bellingham, WA

If the money owed to you is $25,000 or less, you can File a Small Claim in Bellingham, Washington court and pay the related fee online. We can file a small claim suit online on your behalf in Bellingham, Washington. We in Bellingham can help you in every possible way by filing a case in small claims court online.

Small Claims Court Bellingham, WA

Small Claims Courts Bellingham, Washington have limited jurisdiction to hear civil cases between private litigants. These small claim courts Bellingham have a maximum monetary limit. These courts are designed to settle certain disputes lesser than $5,000 for individuals.

Small Claims Court Fee in Bellingham, Washington

Small Claims Court Bellingham money limit is between $1.00 and $1,500.00, the filing fee is $46.00. If the amount of controversy is over $1,500.00 till $3,000.00, the filing fee is $12.00. We serve the Best Law Services in Bellingham with reasonable small claim fees. By relying on us, you do not have to spend lavishly on a small claim fee.

Form Submission

To report suspected code violations you can submit a Code Violation Investigation request with our convenient online web form or you can complete the Code Enforcement Investigation Request Form (PDF) and return it to our office.

Assistance

For assistance in finding the address and/or parcel number of the violation, please visit the County Assessor’s page or county mapping data.

Anonymity

We will not accept anonymous complaints unless a violation involves an immediate life/safety threat. However, you may request confidentiality on the Code Enforcement Investigation Request form as allowed by law and pursuant to Whatcom County policy.

Updates

After you turn in the Code Enforcement Investigation Request form, please feel free to contact the Code Enforcement office for periodic updates on the status of your inquiry. Staff generally will not contact you unless they have questions regarding the case.

Emergencies

Please note that the Code Enforcement Office does not consist of emergency responders. For emergencies requiring medical, fire, or police response, please call 911.