how to file a complaint against a lawyer in louisiana

All complaints regarding attorneys must be received in writing. Complaints can be filed by any person, not just a client, in one of two ways: By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Complaint forms can also be obtained from the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board in Metairie or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Baton Rouge, or by calling (800) 326-8022 or (225) 293-3900 to request one by mail.

Full Answer

How do I file a complaint in Louisiana?

Complaint forms can also be obtained from the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board in Metairie or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Baton Rouge, or by calling (800) 326-8022 or (225) 293-3900 to request one by mail.

How do I file a complaint against a lawyer?

To make a complaint with the Disciplinary Counsel's office or obtain a complaint form, write to the following: Also, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit or criminal charges against the lawyer.

What can I do if I don't have a lawyer in Louisiana?

Also, depending on the circumstances, you may be able to file a civil lawsuit or criminal charges against the lawyer. The Louisiana State Bar Association cannot provide legal advice, so you should consult a new lawyer or the district attorney's office about these matters.

Where do I file a personnel enforcement complaint in Baton Rouge?

Office Personnel Enforcement Section Links Licensing Portal File a Complaint 600 North Street, Baton Rouge, 70802 (225) 765-2301 Text-To-Verify: 1 (855) 999-7896

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.

Who is the governing authority for licensing and monitoring attorneys in Louisiana?

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, which was established by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in 1990, is tasked with the responsibility of investigating all allegations of lawyer misconduct and with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Court when discipline is warranted.

How do I file a judicial complaint in Louisiana?

By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. Complaint forms can also be obtained from the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board in Metairie or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Baton Rouge, or by calling (800) 326-8022 or (225) 293-3900 to request one by mail.

Who is the attorney general in Louisiana?

Jeff LandryAssumed office January 11, 2016GovernorJohn Bel EdwardsPreceded byBuddy CaldwellMember of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 3rd district22 more rows

What is the meaning of disciplinary committee?

a committee charged with examining alleged breaches of discipline within an organization, profession, etc and adjudicating on them.

What are the disciplinary board in jails?

DISCIPLINARY BOARD FOR JAILS - is organized and maintained for the purpose of hearing disciplinary cases involving violation of jail rules or regulations by the inmates.

What are the responsibilities of the attorney general of Louisiana?

As necessary for the assertion or protection of any right or interest of the state, the attorney general shall have authority (1) to institute, prosecute, or intervene in any civil action or proceeding; (2) upon the written request of a district attorney, to advise and assist in the prosecution of any criminal case; ...

What are the duties of attorney general?

The Attorney-General is the Chief Law officer of a state responsible for advising the government on legal matters and representing it in litigation.

How do I contact the Louisiana Attorney General?

Call the Louisiana Attorney General at 225-326-6465 or contact www.ag.state.la.us.

Where to file a complaint in Louisiana?

Complaints can be filed by any person, not just a client, in one of two ways: By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel . Complaint forms can also be obtained from the Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board in Metairie or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel in Baton Rouge, or by calling (800) 326-8022 or (225) ...

What is the phone number for ODC in Baton Rouge?

Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70816. Phone: (225) 293-3900 or (800) 326-8022. If additional information is needed, it will be requested by ODC. If you have difficulty corresponding in writing, a personal interview may be arranged after your written complaint is filed.

Can ODC file charges?

If the chairperson approves ODC’s request, ODC may proceed with the filing of formal charges. (The chairperson may grant partial approval on whatever portions of the request meet the probable cause standard.) Upon receiving the permission of a hearing committee chairperson, ODC may file formal charges.

Complaints against lawyers in Louisiana

Complaints about a lawyer are taken very seriously. That is why a complaint about an attorney’s ethics should not be filed unless you have absolutely no other avenue open to you. The Louisiana Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over complaints about lawyers.

Attempt to resolve your problem

Probably 75% of complaints against lawyers result from lack of communication. “My lawyer never calls me back” is probably the single biggest complaint.

How to file a complaint against an attorney?

All complaints against attorneys must be filed with Office of the Disciplinary Counsel. Complaints can be filed in on of two ways: (1) By submitting a completed complaint form to the Office of the Disciplinary Counsel. You can obtain a complaint form in person at the offices of the Disciplinary Counsel, or you can call 800-326-8022 to request ...

What is the Louisiana attorney's board?

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board, which was established by the Supreme Court of Louisiana in 1990, is tasked with the responsibility of investigating all allegations of lawyer misconduct and with the responsibility of making recommendations to the Court when discipline is warranted. The agency consists of a statewide board, hearing ...

Why do disciplinary committees volunteer?

Disciplinary Board members and hearing committee members are not paid for their work, but volunteer to do this work in order to maintain the standards of the legal profession. By bringing a complaint to the disciplinary agency’s attention, the public helps the legal profession achieve its goal.

What are the rules of professional conduct in Louisiana?

The Supreme Court of Louisiana has adopted high standards of ethics and professional competence for lawyers who practice in Louisiana known as the Rules of Professional Conduct. When lawyers enter practice in Louisiana they obligate themselves to uphold the law and to abide by these Rules of Professional Conduct.

Can you sue an attorney in Louisiana?

They cannot sue an attorney on your behalf, or seek the return of money or property from the attorney. What is The LSBA Client Assistance Fund? The Client Assistance Fund is a public service of the legal profession in Louisiana. It was created to compensate clients who lose money due to a lawyer’s dishonest conduct.

Does filing a complaint with ODC mean you have applied to the client assistance fund?

That filing a complaint with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) does not mean you have applied to the Client Assistance Fund. Also, that filing a complaint with ODC, the filing of a Client Assistance Fund Application, or participation in the Fee Arbitration Program does not protect civil remedies or interrupt prescription.

What is a complaint against a judge in Louisiana?

A complaint against a judge must be in writing and contain facts and allegations that if proven to be true show that the judge has engaged in unethical conduct and violated the Code of Judicial Conduct and/or the Louisiana Constitution. The complaint should also include any attachments or documents that support it.

How long does it take for a complaint to be screened out in Louisiana?

If the Commission does not have jurisdiction over a complaint because it fails to allege sufficient facts or allegations to give rise to an issue of whether the Code of Judicial Conduct and/or the Louisiana Constitution was violated by the Respondent, it could be screened out within two to four months.

How long does it take to resolve a complaint?

However, if the Commission decides to conduct an investigation, and/or have a formal evidentiary hearing and then recommends discipline to the Supreme Court, resolution of a complaint could take nineteen to thirty-five months, depending upon how complicated the facts are and how many witnesses are involved.

What should be included in an anonymous complaint?

All complaints, especially anonymous complaints, should include as many specifics as possible, including dates, names of witnesses, details about the judge’s conduct, etc. and if documents or items are attached to the complaint, the complaint should identify its relevance and point to the relevant parts.

Does the Supreme Court require a complaint form?

NO. The Commission only considers written complaints. The Commission does not require a particular form for the complaint. However, a complaint form is available on the Supreme Court’s website for a complainant’s convenience. See www.lasc.org under the tab “Judiciary Commission.”. ↑.

Does the Judiciary Commission take complaints?

The Judiciary Commission takes complaints against judges for misconduct very seriously. The Commission usually has no way of learning of possible judicial misconduct unless a complaint is filed. However, a complaint must be properly submitted for the Commission to conduct an evaluation and investigation.