how do i file a formal complaint against my lawyer in illinois

by Janet Greenfelder 7 min read

Mail a completed complaint form to: Office of Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor Attention: Complaint Division 69 West Washington, Suite 3400 Chicago, Illinois 60602 Fax a completed complaint form to 312.814.5479

Full Answer

Is a lawyer needed to file a complaint against?

Accusing a lawyer of unethical conduct is a serious matter to the lawyer. Complaints should not be made lightly or to try to gain an advantage in dealings with a lawyer. If you are considering filing a complaint, understand that the ARDC will send a copy of your complaint to the lawyer whether or not we decide to initiate an investigation.

How do you file a lawsuit against an attorney?

Feb 03, 2014 · Anyone can go to iardc.org, which has a lawyer search option, and type in the name of the Illinois attorney they’re curious about. The database should tell you what, if any, disciplinary action the attorney has faced. If you are unsure about what you find, ask the attorney about it.

How to file ethics complaint against a lawyer?

Follow the instructions for downloading a complaint form below: 1. Click the PDF complaint form link with the RIGHT mouse button 2. Choose "Save Target As..." (Internet Explorer) OR "Save Link As..." (Firefox and Netscape) 3. Select the folder to which you would like to save the PDF complaint form.

Can you file a complaint against your lawyer?

The Complaint Process - www2.illinois.gov/jib The Complaint Process Any person may file a complaint with the Judicial Inquiry Board ("Board"). The complaint, which is required to be submitted in writing, must state facts that substantiate any alleged misconduct or incapacity.

image

How do I report attorney misconduct in Illinois?

Such complaints should be directed to the Illinois Judicial Inquiry Board, 100 W. Randolph Drive, Suite 14-500, Chicago, IL 60601; Telephone: (312) 814-5554 or (800) 227-9429; Fax: (312) 814-5719; Website: www.state.il.us/jib.

Who regulates lawyers in Illinois?

the Illinois Supreme CourtTotally. The regulation of the practice of law in Illinois, and its definition, are the exclusive province of the Judicial Branch of Government, specifically, the Illinois Supreme Court.

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

How do I file a complaint in Illinois?

To report a violation you may:Call the OEIG's toll-free hotline at 866.814.1113.Complete an online complaint form.Contact the Office via telecommunications device for the disabled (TTY) at 888.261.2734;Mail a completed complaint form to:Fax a completed complaint form to 312.814.5479.More items...

What is the Illinois ARDC?

The Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission (ARDC) operates under the authority of the Illinois Supreme Court, which has sole authority to regulate the admission and discipline of lawyers in Illinois.

Who is the state attorney of Illinois?

Kwame Raoul (Democratic Party)Illinois / Attorney generalKwame Raoul is an American lawyer and politician who has been the 42nd Attorney General of Illinois since 2019. He is a member of the Democratic Party. Raoul represented the 13th district in the Illinois Senate from 2004 to 2019. Wikipedia

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.

What are examples of ethics violations?

Ethics violations such as discrimination, safety violations, poor working conditions and releasing proprietary information are other examples. Situations such as bribery, forgery and theft, while certainly ethically improper, cross over into criminal activity and are often dealt with outside the company.Aug 14, 2015

What is misconduct law?

In law profession misconduct means an act done willfully with a wrong intention by the people engaged in the profession. It means any activity or behaviour of an advocate in violation of professional ethics for his selfish ends.

How do I file a complaint with the attorney general's office?

If you cannot complete the form online or need additional assistance with where to direct your complaint, please call our OAG Help Line at (800) 771-7755. Filing a false complaint is punishable as a Class A Misdemeanor. We need complaints in writing.

What is an Idfpr complaint?

Complaints against any individual or entity regulated by the Division of Professional Regulation may be filed by contacting the Complaint Intake Unit.

Who can file a complaint with the Idfpr?

Who can file a complaint? Anyone who has knowledge that a professional act regulated by the Department has been violated, including unlicensed activity. 10.

Why do you close a complaint?

Close the complaint because of insufficient cause to take further action. Close the complaint but monitor the judge's courtroom. Close the complaint and issue the judge a private letter of admonishment or caution. Note: In each of the above instances, a letter is sent to the complainant informing him or her that the complaint has been closed.

What is the purpose of closing a complaint?

By closing the complaint, the Board does not pass judgment on the merits of the case. This is the sole responsibility of the Appellate Court.

What is the problem with the Board of Judges?

A sensitive and difficult problem confronting the Board is the physically and mentally incapacitated judge. This issue can arise concerning a judge who has given many years of able service to the State. Most judges who become physically or mentally disabled retire without any action on the part of the Board. In other cases, the fact that an investigation was initiated may lead to a voluntary decision by the judge to retire.

What is the job of an investigation?

Investigate the complaint. An investigation may entail writing a letter to the judge to request his or her explanation of the matter , reviewing court and non-court documents , interviewing the complainant as well as other witnesses, or monitoring courtrooms.

What to do if you have concerns about an attorney?

Criminal conduct. 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: Alabama. Alaska.

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 ...

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.

What is the disciplinary board?

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.

What is a metra?

an employee of the the Regional Transportation Authority, the Chicago Transit Authority, Metra, or Pace; or. a person or entity (such as a vendor) doing business with an entity under the jurisdiction of the OEIG. Anyone who files a complaint should have a reasonable belief that the allegation being reported is true.

Can a complaint be anonymously submitted?

Complaints may be submitted anonymously; however, a complaint must relate to the official conduct of: an employee of an executive branch state agency, board, or commission, or state public university under the jurisdiction of the OEIG;

Can you file a complaint anonymously in Illinois?

Complaints may be submitted anonymously; however, a complaint must relate to the official conduct of:

image