how to file a complaint against a lawyer in kansas city missouri

Call: (816) 513-3126 Send a letter containing all pertinent information – especially contact information surrounding the claim to: Law Department, Attn: Claims, 23rd Floor City Hall, 414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106, or Submit a claim online

Full Answer

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

Complaints must be in writing. Download complaint form. Clients have a right to expect a high level of professional service from their lawyer. In Missouri, lawyers follow a code of ethics, known as the Rules of Professional Conduct, which guides their practices and their relationships with clients.

How do I file a complaint against a judge in Kansas?

The Disciplinary Administrator has no authority over judges. If you believe a judge in the State of Kansas has violated the code of judicial conduct, you must write: A complaint form is available from the Commission office at the above address or on their website.

What should I do if I have a complaint against a lawyer?

A complete history of the complainant’s dealings with the lawyer, including dates and purposes for which the lawyer was retained; Copies of canceled checks or receipts for any payments made to the lawyer. What Should I Report? Many complaints about lawyers can be resolved by better communication between lawyers and their clients.

What happens after a complaint is referred to the Missouri Bar?

After the complaint is referred, the program administrator at The Missouri Bar will open an active file and ask both parties to sign a form voluntarily agreeing to participate in a meeting to attempt to resolve the matter. The lawyer is asked to formally respond to the complaint.

Who regulates attorneys in Missouri?

The professional conduct of attorneys is governed by Supreme Court Rule 4 and the discipline process is governed by Supreme Court Rule 5. Many lawyers are reluctant to report their peers to the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel ("OCDC") for violations of the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct.

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.

Who is Alan pratzel?

Alan Pratzel was appointed as the Chief Disciplinary Counsel by the Supreme Court of Missouri in April 2007. In his position with the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, Mr. Pratzel oversees the investigation and disposition of all complaints against lawyers in the State of Missouri. Prior to his appointment, Mr.

Who appoints the Missouri attorney general?

The Attorney General is elected by Missouri voters, serves a four-year term, and is not subject to constitutional term limits.

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 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.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney in Missouri?

There is a form for filing a complaint at the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel's website at www.mochiefcounsel.org. The telephone number for the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel is (573) 635-7400.

What are the five types of cases the Missouri Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear?

The Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to hear five types of cases on appeal:The validity of a United States statute or treaty.The validity of a Missouri statute or constitutional provision.The state's revenue laws.Challenges to a statewide elected official's right to hold office.More items...

How do I file a complaint against a judge in Missouri?

You can call the commission's office and talk to a member of the staff before you decide to file a complaint. The staff member will not be able to tell you if a judge has committed misconduct or give you any legal advice, but may assist you in explaining the procedures of the commission.

What are the 3 levels of the Mo court system?

Most state court systems are divided into three levels: trial courts, appeals courts, and a state supreme court.

How do I contact the Missouri Attorney General?

HotlinesConsumer Protection: 800-392-8222.No-Call Team: 866-662-2551.Medicaid Fraud: 800-286-3932.

What are the duties of Attorney General?

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.More items...•

What is an attorney licensed to practice law in Kansas?

An attorney who is licensed to practice law in Kansas is fit to be entrusted with legal matters as an officer of the court.#N#Attorney s must uphold the law and abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct. Attorneys who violate these rules are subject to discipline.

What to do if you have a fee dispute?

If you have a fee dispute, you should first fully discuss the problem with your attorney. If that does not resolve the disagreement, you can file in the court, because all fee contracts in litigated cases are subject to review and approval by the court that has jurisdiction.

What is the review committee in a criminal case?

Review committee. Once the investigation is complete, a review committee of three attorneys is assigned to study the complaint and investigative report. The committee may dismiss the complaint if it is found to be without merit.

What happens if a review committee finds probable cause to believe the attorney has violated the disciplinary rules?

If the review committee finds probable cause to believe the attorney has violated the disciplinary rules, the matter becomes public and all records and proceedings are open. If the committee finds probable cause to believe the attorney has violated the disciplinary rules, it can:

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

If you do not agree with the decision, an appeal to a higher court is more likely to benefit you than filing a complaint against your attorney.

What happens if a court finds a contract is not reasonable?

If the court finds the contract is not reasonable, it will set and allow a reasonable fee for the attorney. Additionally, you may be able to settle a fee dispute with an attorney through local bar fee dispute committees.

What is the recommended discipline for a lawyer?

Recommended discipline could be: public censure; probation with conditions; suspension of the attorney's license for a specific time period; suspension for an indefinite period; or. disbarment.

What happens when lawyers fail to meet the ethical standard?

When lawyers fail to meet the ethical standard, they are subject to disciplinary action. Contrary to common belief, it is the Supreme Court of Missouri, not The Missouri Bar or any other bar association, which is in charge of the state's lawyer discipline system.

What are some examples of misconduct?

Examples of misconduct which may draw disciplinary action are: neglect (failure to communicate, failure to perform agreed upon duties, delay, etc.); trust violations (embezzlement of funds entrusted to a lawyer by or for a client); conflict of interest; and improper advertising.

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.

Fee Dispute Resolution Program

This program is a public service of the Missouri Bar, designed to help clients who question the amount or reasonableness of fees for legal services.

Complaints Against Lawyers

When you hire a lawyer, you should expect professional and ethical behavior. Regardless of the efforts to maintain a high degree of competence and ethics among the members of the legal profession, some lawyers fail to meet those standards. If your lawyer violates the Rules of Professional Conduct here’s how you can file a complaint.

Complaints Against Judges

The Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges is responsible for receiving and investigating all requests for the retirement of judges because of disability and all complaints concerning alleged misconduct of judges and judicial commission members.

Client Security Fund

Adherence to the standards established by the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct is expected from every lawyer. The Missouri Bar recognizes that, regardless of the efforts to maintain a high degree of competence and ethics among the members of the legal profession, some lawyers fail to meet those standards.

What should a complaint include?

Complaints should provide the full name and address of the attorney, the nature of the legal matter, the caption of any court case involved in the representation, the name of the court where any case is pending, a detailed, factual statement of what occurred including specific. complaint (s) about the attorney’s conduct, and the complainant’s name, ...

What is a complaint history?

A complete history of the complainant’s dealings with the lawyer, including dates and purposes for which the lawyer was retained; Copies of fee or retainer agreements; A listing of meetings or conferences with the lawyer, including dates where possible, that are relevant to the complaint; Copies of letters, faxes, ...

Can OCDC represent you in court?

The OCDC cannot represent you in your court case. The OCDC cannot give you legal advice. If you have questions relating to your court case, you should consult with a private attorney for advice and assistance.

Consumer Complaints

Send complaints against licensed professionals (i.e. doctors, nurses, barbers, massage therapists, etc.) to:

Protection Services

Missourians who give to charity often have questions about what percentage of their gifts go to the charitable purpose and what percentage is used for administrative costs. Check a charity .

Insurance, Bank, & Business Protection

Have trouble reading your insurance policy or your loan documents? Believe you’ve been wrongly denied an insurance claim? Have concerns about the safety or cleanliness of your barber shop, hair salon, doctor’s office or dentist’s office? Use the resources below to file a complain or report fraud.