how to file a complaint against a lawyer in kansas

How do I file a complaint of attorney misconduct in Kansas?

Complaints of attorney misconduct are filed with the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator. The Kansas Disciplinary Administrator's Office works under the direction of the Supreme Court. This disciplinary administrator:

How do I file a complaint against a lawyer?

Tell the attorney about your dissatisfaction and ask for a full explanation of the matter. If you still believe your complaint is well-founded, you can file a complaint. Complaints are investigated by local bar associations or the disciplinary administrator's staff, who may seek further information.

How do I file a complaint with the Kansas Human Rights Commission?

KHRC's intake department is located in the Topeka office and is responsible for drafting complaints filed with the agency. A complaint may be filed personally or by attorney. An individual may write, telephone or come in to one of the Kansas Human Rights Commission's offices to begin the filing process.

How do I find a lawyer in Kansas?

If you need help in selecting an attorney, legal advice or legal information, you may wish to contact the Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-928-3111. The Kansas Bar Association routinely conducts a "Call A Lawyer" telephone call session on the second Thursday of each month from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 1-800-928-3111.

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 report a lawyer to the Bar in Kansas?

Attorney complaint process All complaints against Kansas-licensed attorneys must be in writing and filed with the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator. You must complete and sign a complaint form before submitting it. Any additional documents you submit cannot be returned.

How do I file a complaint with the Kansas attorney general?

It's one way to avoid pesky calls from telemarketers.Consumer Protection Hotline: 1-800-432-2310. (785) 296-3751. Fax: (785) 291-3699. File a complaint online.Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.120 SW 10th Ave., 2nd Floor. Topeka, KS 66612. (785) 296-2215. 1-888-428-8436. Fax: (785) 296-6296.

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

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 ...

Can I sue a lawyer for lying?

No matter what name the agency in your state goes by, they will have a process you can use to file a complaint against your attorney for lying or being incompetent. Examples of these types of behavior include: Misusing your money. Failing to show up at a court hearing.

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.

Who does the Kansas Consumer Protection Act apply to?

Borrowing words from the Kansas Supreme Court, the Kansas Consumer Protection Act allows consumers that are harmed by deceptive or unconscionable acts or practices to act as their own “private attorney general” and take steps to protect their rights.

What does the Attorney General do?

The principal duties of the Attorney General are to: Represent the United States in legal matters. Supervise and direct the administration and operation of the offices, boards, divisions, and bureaus that comprise the Department.

How long should a lawyer take to respond?

A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return.

What is a Marsden hearing?

A Marsden motion is a formal request made by a criminal defendant to the court. The court hears arguments on the motion from the defendant and the attorney, without the presence of the prosecutor.

Is it normal not to hear from your attorney?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.

How many days does a lawyer have to respond to a complaint?

The lawyer is normally given twenty days to respond to the complaint before a hearing is scheduled. 3. The Hearing Panel. The hearing panel consists of three lawyers, including at least two members of the Board of Discipline. The Disciplinary Administrator's Office presents evidence in support of the formal complaint.

What is a Kansas law license?

The license to practice law in Kansas is a continuing proclamation by the Kansas Supreme Court that the lawyer is fit to be entrusted with legal matters as an officer of the court.

What happens if you don't agree with a decision?

If you do not agree with the decision, an appeal to a higher court will probably be more advantageous to your interests than filing a complaint against your lawyer.

Do lawyers in Kansas have to pay for disciplinary action?

Lawyers who violate these professional and ethical obligations are subject to discipline. Lawyers in Kansas (not taxpayers) pay for the disciplinary system by contributing to a statewide fund to maintain the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator. This watchdog agency is an arm of the Kansas Supreme Court.

Do lawyers make mistakes in Kansas?

Nearly all Kansas lawyers are competent and respectable persons who uphold their legal and professional obligations; however, lawyers sometimes make mistakes, and some lawyers are more competent than others. A lawyer may lose the trust and confidence of a client for various reasons.

Does Kansas have lawyer discipline?

The Court may determine that no violation occurred or it may impose a different form of Discipline from that recommended by the hearing panel. In Kansas, lawyer discipline is conducted openly, with safeguards built into the system to insure that your complaint will receive full and prompt attention.

What to do if you believe a court reporter has violated rules?

If you believe a court reporter has violated rules adopted by the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters, you may file a complaint with the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters. File a complaint against a court reporter. Search for rules related to court reporters.

What to do if you believe a judge has violated the Supreme Court rules?

If you believe a judge has violated Supreme Court rules related to judicial conduct, you may file a complaint with the Commission on Judicial Conduct .#N#File a complaint against a judge

How many attorneys are on the Kansas Board of Discipline of Attorneys?

Kansas Board for Discipline of Attorneys. The board assigns three attorneys, at least two of whom are board members, to review and approve or modify recommendations by the disciplinary administrator. Board for Discipline of Attorneys.

What is the phone number for the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator?

If you have a question, call 785-435-8200 or email attydisc@kscourts.org. While we are not back in the office full time, some staff are in the office every day.

What are the rules of the Supreme Court?

Rules adopted by the Supreme Court establish the attorney disciplinary process, the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator, and the Board of Attorney Discipline. Complaints of attorney misconduct are filed with the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator. Updated attorney discipline rules.

How to contact a lawyer in Kansas?

If you need help in selecting an attorney, legal advice or legal information, you may wish to contact the Kansas Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-928-3111.

What are the rights of a person in Kansas?

Filing a charge with the Kansas Human Rights Commission protects your rights under the Kansas Anti Discrimination laws. However, you may have rights under other laws and legal theories. Examples of other types of rights and claims you may have are: 1 Breach of contract 2 Intentional infliction of emotional distress 3 Conduct causing personal injury such as assault or battery 4 Violations of other civil rights

What happens if the Commission finds probable cause?

If the Commission finds "Probable Cause', then an attempt will be made to reach a written settlement between complainant and respondent. The Commission is responsible for conciliation of cases where the investigation has indicated there is probable cause to credit allegations of the complaints.

What happens if conciliation fails in Kansas?

If conciliation efforts fail, the case may be scheduled for a public hearing. Filing a charge with the Kansas Human Rights Commission protects your rights under the Kansas Anti Discrimination laws. However, you may have rights under other laws and legal theories.

Does the Kansas Human Rights Commission have authority to act on claims?

The Kansas Human Rights Commission does not have authority to act upon the types of claims described above. If you want to pursue other claims, you must consult with a private attorney.

Does Kansas have a third party mediation program?

The Commission offers a third-party mediation program statewide through Kansas Legal Services. Mediation services offer a possible alternative to a complete investigation. When mediation services are not selected by both parties, or when mediation services fail, a complaint may be sent for investigation.

Complaints against a judge

If you believe a judge has violated Supreme Court Rules Relating to Judicial Conduct, you may file a complaint with the Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Before you file

Read the Supreme Court rules relating to judicial conduct to determine whether a Kansas judge has violated any of the judicial canons.

Complaint form

You may use the fillable form, Complaint Against a Judge, to make your complaint, or you may request an informational packet that includes a complaint form be mailed to you.

Completing the complaint form

Use the complaint form to provide all facts and circumstances you believe constitute judicial misconduct or disability.

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 ...