how to file a complaint about a lawyer in arizona

by Jovany Rice 9 min read

  • Submit an online complaint (English or Spanish)
  • Print and email a completed form to consumerinfo@azag.gov (link sends email) or fax it to (602)-542-4579
  • Mail or deliver a completed form to either location below: Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Information and Complaints 2005 N Central Ave Phoenix, AZ 85004 Office of the Attorney ...

More items...

To report attorney misconduct you must contact the State Bar of Arizona. Once a report of attorney misconduct is received, the State Bar of Arizona will make a determination if the conduct warrants the filing of a formal complaint.

Full Answer

Can I file an anonymous complaint against a lawyer in Arizona?

The Certification and Licensing Division does not accept anonymous complaints. The Discipline Department of the State Bar of Arizona has an Attorney/Consumer Assistance Program (A/CAP) that may be able to help you if you are having a dispute with your attorney. Web Site Problems.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney?

To file a complaint against an attorney, please call the State Bar of Arizona at: 602-252-4804

How do I file a complaint with the Arizona Department of Corrections?

We cannot take complaints from, or on behalf of, Arizona Department of Corrections prisoners. We do not look in to untimely complaints, where an unreasonable amount of time has passed since the issue at hand. Contact us. Please contact our office and describe your problem. You may use our electronic complaint form, but it is not required.

Do I need to file a complaint with the Arizona Ombudsman?

You may use our electronic complaint form, but it is not required. The Arizona Ombudsman office will listen to your complaint. We are here to help. The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide office provides a unique service because we offer objectivity to citizens who complain when they think Arizona government has treated them unfairly.

image

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.

How do I file a complaint with the Arizona Attorney General?

File a Consumer Complaint: If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you may file a consumer complaint. For consumer inquiries, or to request a complaint form, call (602) 542-5763 (Phoenix), (520) 628-6648 (Tucson), or toll-free outside of metro Phoenix, (800) 352-8431.

What does the Attorney General do?

The Attorney General is the representative of the public in all legal proceedings for the enforcement of law and the assertion or protection of public rights. The Attorney General defends the constitutionality of Bills referred to the Supreme Court under Article 26 of the Constitution.

How do I contact the Attorney General of Arizona?

Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich Office of the Attorney GeneralPhoenix Office. 2005 N Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004-2926. (602) 542-5025. ... Tucson Office. 400 West Congress. South Building, Suite 315. ... Prescott Office. 1000 Ainsworth Dr. Suite A-210. ... Attorney General Information. AGInfo@azag.gov. (602) 542-5025.

What are the responsibilities of the Arizona Attorney General?

The Attorney General's Office has jurisdiction over Arizona's Consumer Fraud Act, white collar crime, organized crime, public corruption, environmental laws, civil rights laws, and crimes committed in more than one county.

What are five local entities that protect consumer rights?

Getting Help: Where to Find Consumer Protection WebsitesNolo's Consumer Protection Section. ... National Consumer League's Fraud Center. ... AnnualCreditReport.com. ... myFICO. ... Better Business Bureau (BBB) ... Consumer Reports. ... Kelly Blue Book (KBB) ... The Center for Auto Safety.More items...

Who is above the district attorney?

In practice, district attorneys, who prosecute the bulk of criminal cases in the United States, answer to no one. The state attorney general is the highest law enforcement officer in state government and often has the power to review complaints about unethical and illegal conduct on the part of district attorneys.

Who can remove the attorney general?

1) He is appointed by President of India. 2) He holds office during the pleasure of the President. 3) He must be member of either House of Parliament. 4) He can be removed by impeachment by Parliament.

What's the difference between attorney and lawyer?

Attorney vs Lawyer: Comparing Definitions Lawyers are people who have gone to law school and often may have taken and passed the bar exam. Attorney has French origins, and stems from a word meaning to act on the behalf of others. The term attorney is an abbreviated form of the formal title 'attorney at law'.

Who is the state of Arizona top legal authority?

Attorney General of ArizonaArizona Attorney GeneralAuthority:Arizona Constitution, Article 5, Section 1 (Version 2)Selection Method:ElectedCurrent OfficeholderAttorney General of Arizona Mark Brnovich Republican Party Assumed office: 2015-01-0514 more rows

Who is the district attorney in Arizona?

Gary M. RestainoDistrict of Arizona Gary M. Restaino was nominated by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

Who is the assistant attorney general in Arizona?

Brad Zinn. “After having spent the last two years working closely with Jennifer Wright at Verify The Vote,AZ I can attest that she has demonstrated exceptional abilities and insight. Her legal expertise has guided us safely through what could have been a quagmire of activities.

How to file a complaint against an attorney in Arizona?

To file a complaint against an attorney, please call the State Bar of Arizona at: 602-252-4804. RECORDS. Records of formal disciplinary proceedings are public and are available from the offices of the Attorney Discipline Unit.

What is the purpose of attorney discipline?

The purpose of attorney discipline is to protect the public and the administration of justice from attorneys who have not discharged their professional duties to clients, the public, the legal system, and the legal profession.

Frequently Taken Bar Actions

The 2020 Annual Report of the Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee to the Arizona Supreme Court listed there were the following actions against attorneys licensed in AZ in 2020:

Bar Discipline after Intake Review

However, most of the time an inquiry initiated after the Bar receives a “complaint” against a lawyer will begin with a call from an Intake Attorney with the Bar’s Lawyer Regulation Department. This Department resolves disputes and investigates allegations of misconduct, incapacity or lack of professionalism.

Litigation Department Screening Investigation

The vast majority of charges are concluded in the Intake Department; however, if the charge is not dismissed or resolved via diversion, it will move forward for a screening investigation with the Arizona Bar’s Litigation Department. The assigned attorney reviews the charge, the lawyer’s response and the gathered evidence.

Criminal Self Report to State Bar of AZ

Rule 54. Grounds for Discipline of the Rules of the Supreme Court of Arizona, Arizona Revised Statutes holds that an attorney licensed in Arizona may be disciplined by the State Bar of Arizona upon the conviction of certain crimes. Rule 54 holds that an attorney shall be disciplined for:

Legal Duty to Self-Report

Arizona Supreme Court Rule 61 describes the attorney’s duty to report certain criminal convictions to the State Bar of Arizona.

Arizona Unauthorized Practice of Law Investigated by Court

The 2020 Annual Report of the Attorney Regulation Advisory Committee to the Arizona Supreme Court listed there were 58 charges of the unauthorized practice of law with 32 of those referred to investigation.

Attorneys for Ethics Complaints

If you are interested in discussing a State Bar of Arizona issue or want to discuss how to become a client contact Chelle Law today.

What is the Arizona Ombudsman?

The Arizona Ombudsman-Citizens’ Aide office provides a unique service because we offer objectivity to citizens who complain when they think Arizona government has treated them unfairly. The first thing our investigators do is listen to the person’s complaint. For some people, this is the first time they feel that anyone in government actually hears them. Then we determine the nature of the dispute and respond in the most appropriate way to resolve the issue.

Can a neighbor file a complaint without a power of attorney?

This means a neighbor, a brother, or a concerned citizen cannot file a complaint on behalf of the person being effected by the problem without a power of attorney. We cannot take complaints from, or on behalf of, Arizona Department of Corrections prisoners.

Concerns about a lawyer, ABS, or LP?

The State Bar of Arizona, under the authority granted by the Supreme Court of Arizona, investigates allegations of attorney, alternative business structure (ABS) and Legal Paraprofessional (LP) misconduct and determines whether formal discipline proceedings are appropriate.

Misconduct

Attorneys, ABSs and LPs must comply with the Supreme Court of Arizona's Rules of Professional Conduct, more commonly known as the Ethical Rules. The State Bar of Arizona Lawyer Regulation Office (LRO) investigates any allegations that a lawyer has violated these rules initiates formal proceedings before the Supreme Court of Arizona.

What is the phone number for the state bar of Arizona?

Client Rights and Responsibilities. How the Discipline Process Works. If you have not already done so, please call 602.340.7280, to talk to someone with the State Bar of Arizona Intake Department, prior to completing this form.

How to state a charge?

State your charge in your own words. Include all important dates, times, places, and details so that the specific nature of your charge can be understood. Use as much space as necessary. It is not necessary to be brief.

How long do you have to file a lawsuit in Arizona?

The length of time you have to file depends on the type of claim you have. For example, although Arizona law gives you six years to file a lawsuit for breach of a written contract, you only have one year to sue for wrongful termination or breach of an employment contract. Personal injury cases generally have a two-year statute of limitations.

What does it mean to hear a case in Arizona?

To hear your case, the judge must have jurisdiction – legal power and control – over both the subject matter of your lawsuit and the person you're suing. Different courts have different levels of jurisdiction, and if you sue in the wrong court, you risk having your case dismissed. Arizona has courts of limited and general jurisdiction.

What does the caption on a complaint mean?

The caption or style on your complaint identifies the case in court. The same caption will be used at the top of the first page of every document filed in your lawsuit. The caption states the name of the court hearing the case and the location, along with the names of the plaintiff and the defendant.

What is the first document you must file to initiate a lawsuit in any court?

A complaint or petition is the first document you must file to initiate a lawsuit in any court.

How many copies of documents do you need to file a lawsuit against?

3. Make copies of all your documents. After you've completed all your documents, you must make at least two copies – one for your own records and one for the defendant – before you file the originals with the court. If you're suing more than one person or business, you'll need a copy for each of them.

How much does it cost to file a federal court case?

The filing fee in federal court is $400. If you can't afford filing fees, you may be eligible for a fee waiver or deferral. A deferral postpones your payment of fees or allows you to pay them in increments, while a waiver means you don't have to pay fees at all.

How to have a case heard by a judge?

Research the law for your case. To have a case heard by a judge, you must first state a claim that entitles you to damages under state or federal law.

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 ...

image

Frequently Taken Bar Actions

Bar Discipline After Intake Review

Litigation Department Screening Investigation

Criminal Self Report to State Bar of AZ

Legal Duty to Self-Report

  • Arizona Supreme Court Rule 61 describes the attorney’s duty to report certain criminal convictions to the State Bar of Arizona. A lawyer shall, within twenty (20) days after the entry of judgment of a conviction of a misdemeanor involving a serious crime (as defined above) or of any felony, provide the following information to chief bar counsel: 1....
See more on chellelaw.com

Arizona Unauthorized Practice of Law Investigated by Court

Attorneys For Ethics Complaints