how to file a complaint against a lawyer in new hampshire

by Jerrold Mohr DVM 10 min read

If you believe that an attorney has acted in an unethical manner and is in violation of the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct, you may file a grievance. If you choose to file a grievance, you may do so by writing us a letter, which includes the name and address of the attorney, as well as the following information:

Allegations of criminal misconduct by a State or municipal public official should be reported to the Attorney General's Office, Criminal Division, Public Integrity Unit, 33 Capitol Street, Concord, NH 03301, 603-271-3671. Portable Document Format (. pdf). Visit nh.gov for a list of free .

Full Answer

How to file a misconduct complaint against an attorney in NH?

How to file a misconduct complaint against an attorney with the Attorney Discipline Office. If you feel that you have been a victim of financial or property theft or defalcation by a NH attorney the Public Protection Fund may be able to provide some measure of reimbursement.

How to file a complaint against a public defender in NH?

Complaint against a Public Defender If your concern involves an attorney in the Public Defender Program, you contact the Executive Director of Public Defender Program. NH Public Defender Program Administrative Office 10 Ferry St.

Can a lawyer counsel a client in New Hampshire?

The new section allows the lawyer to counsel or assist a client engaging in the conduct without violating the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct, despite the conflict with federal law, provided that the lawyer also counsels the client about the potential legal consequences under applicable federal law. 5.

How do I file a complaint against a licensed professional?

If you wish to file a complaint against a licensed professional, contact the State Board governing the licensee's profession. The complaint must be in writing and should be as detailed as possible. The names and addresses of the Boards served by the Administrative Prosecutions Unit are provided.

How to avoid escalation of a violation?

What are some examples of disputes?

Does the Bar Association mandate an attorney?

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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 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.

How do I write a complaint letter to my lawyer?

Draft your letter.Your contact information, so your attorney can get in touch with you. Also, you should request a response from the attorney within a specified period of time.A clear statement of your complaint. ... An easily understood statement of facts that back up your complaint. ... A request for relief.

What does the NH Attorney General do?

The office's primary responsibilities include acting as attorney for the state in all criminal and civil cases in the supreme court in which the state is interested, and in the prosecution of persons accused of crimes punishable with death or imprisonment for life.

What happens after complaint is filed?

Upon receipt of the complaint, the Magistrate decides on the cognizance of the offence. Then he examines, upon oath, the complainant and the witness (es), if any. The complaint is then reduced to written form. The complainant and the witness(es) need to sign the same in front of the Magistrate.

Do Lawyers come under consumer protection Act?

In the case of D.K. Gandhiv. M. Mathias,42 the National Consumer Redressal Commission made it clear that all professionals, including lawyers, should come under the ambit of the CPA.

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 ...

How do you write a strongly worded complaint letter?

How to Write a Strongly-Worded Letter of Complaint: A SummaryStep 1: Make Sure You Send It to the Right Place. ... Step 2: Start the Letter With the Right Tone. ... Step 3: Explain the Problem Effectively. ... Step 4: Suggest a Solution. ... Step 5: Enclose or Attach Relevant and Necessary Documents. ... Step 6: Set a Time Limit.More items...•

Does NH have a lemon law?

The New Hampshire New Motor Vehicle Arbitration program (RSA 357-D) is commonly referred to as the New Hampshire "Lemon Law." The purpose of the law is to provide a consumer with an efficient and informal process with which to resolve new motor vehicle warranty problems.

How do I contact the NH Attorney General?

Main Office InformationTelephone: (603) 271-3658.Fax: (603) 271-2110.TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964.Email: attorneygeneral@doj.nh.gov.

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'.

How to avoid escalation of a violation?

Working through a dispute with an attorney early on could help avoid an escalation to a violation. Complaints are usually the result of a misunderstanding between the attorney and client. First Steps. Discuss the matter with the attorney and request a detailed explanation. Follow-up with a good faith discussion.

What are some examples of disputes?

Examples of such disputes include: those where an attorney is not returning phone calls, is not keeping the client informed as to what is happening in the case, is making excuses why the case is taking so long, will not relinquish a client’s file if the attorney has been dismissed, questions and/or disputes involving fees, etc.

Does the Bar Association mandate an attorney?

The Bar Association has no authority to mandate an attorney or a client participate in this process; it is voluntary on the part of the individual. If you choose to seek the assistance of the NHBA Dispute Resolution Committee in attempting to resolve the dispute, see below.

What to do if an attorney has acted in an unethical manner?

If you believe that an attorney has acted in an unethical manner and is in violation of the New Hampshire Rules of Professional Conduct, you may file a grievance. If you choose to file a grievance, you may do so by writing us a letter, which includes the name and address of the attorney, as well as the following information:

What is a grievance summary?

a brief description of the legal matter which gave rise to your grievance; a detailed factual description of the lawyer's conduct; the relevant documents that illustrate the conduct of the attorney or, if you are unable to provide such documents, an explanation of why you are unable to provide them; and. what proof is to be provided, ...

How to avoid escalation of a violation?

Working through a dispute with an attorney early on could help avoid an escalation to a violation. Complaints are usually the result of a misunderstanding between the attorney and client. First Steps. Discuss the matter with the attorney and request a detailed explanation. Follow-up with a good faith discussion.

What are some examples of disputes?

Examples of such disputes include: those where an attorney is not returning phone calls, is not keeping the client informed as to what is happening in the case, is making excuses why the case is taking so long, will not relinquish a client’s file if the attorney has been dismissed, questions and/or disputes involving fees, etc.

Does the Bar Association mandate an attorney?

The Bar Association has no authority to mandate an attorney or a client participate in this process; it is voluntary on the part of the individual. If you choose to seek the assistance of the NHBA Dispute Resolution Committee in attempting to resolve the dispute, see below.

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