how to file a complaint against a lawyer in pennsylvania

How to file a complaint against a state?

There are several ways in which to file your complaint 1 Download the Statement of Complaint Form (PDF). You will need Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader to view this form. If you do not have either please click on the link in the left hand navigation bar to get a free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Return the completed form by mail to the Professional Compliance Office at: Department of State, Professional Compliance Office, PO Box 69522, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9522. Be sure to include any attachments and supporting documents (legible copies, no originals) that you wish to provide in support of your complaint. 2 You may request a Statement of Complaint Form by mail, by calling the Professional Compliance Office Hotline at 1-800-822-2113 (if you are calling from within Pennsylvania) or at 1-717-783-4854 (if you are calling from outside Pennsylvania). Return the completed form to the Professional Compliance Office at: Department of State, Professional Compliance Office, PO Box 69522, 2601 North Third Street, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9522. Be sure to include any attachments and supporting documents (legible copies, no originals) that you wish to provide in support of your complaint.

What is disciplinary action?

Disciplinary actions are a matter of public record and are subject to release by the Department of State's Office of Communications and Press to various news agencies in the Commonwealth.

Do I have to identify myself when I file a complaint?

No, but it is strongly encouraged that you do. Although the Board does accept anonymous complaints, they are much more difficult to investigate.

Filing a Complaint by Mail

There are two versions of our Request for Investigation form available. The first version is for Microsoft Word. If you have Microsoft Word, open the complaint form. You can then fill out most (all but date and signature) of the form in Word, Print It, Sign It, and Mail it to us.

How to file a complaint against a lawyer?

In most states, you can file your complaint by mailing in a state-issued complaint form or a letter with the lawyer's name and contact information, your contact information, a description of the problem, and copies of relevant documents. In some states, you may be able to lodge your complaint over the phone or online.

What happens if a client fires a lawyer?

When a client fires a lawyer and asks for the file, the lawyer must promptly return it. In some states, such as California, the lawyer must return the file even if attorneys’ fees haven’t been paid in full. Lawyer incompetence. Lawyers must have the knowledge and experience to competently handle any case that they take on.

Who reviews ethics complaints?

In most cases, a board of lawyers and non-lawyers will review the complaint. If there’s a potential ethical violation, the board will give the lawyer a copy of the complaint and an opportunity to respond.

Do lawyers make mistakes?

Lawyers are human, and like everyone else, they sometimes make mistakes when representing clients. In some cases, the mistakes are small and easily fixable—for example, not filing enough copies of a document with the court or needing to reschedule a meeting. Other times, the mistakes are serious—such as missing the deadline to file a lawsuit, ...

What is the responsibility of a lawyer?

Lawyers are given a lot of responsibility and often deal with serious matters, from criminal charges to child custody to tax and other financial matters. When you hire a lawyer, you are trusting him or her to represent your interests in the best manner possible.

What are the rules of professional conduct?

The American Bar Association publishes the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which lists standard ethical violations and best practices for lawyers. Some states have adopted the model rules as their own ethical rules, while others use it as a guide and modify or add rules.

What is the duty of a lawyer?

Lawyers have a duty to keep their clients reasonably informed about the status of their cases, to respond promptly to requests for information, and to consult with their clients about important decisions in their cases (for example, whether to accept a settlement offer). Not returning the client's documents.

Who represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Attorney General represents the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and all state agencies. and does not provide private legal counsel. To find an attorney you should contact the Pennsylvania Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 800-692-7375.

How to report identity theft?

For identity theft on a state level, you should contact the Office of Attorney General, Bureau of Consumer Protection at 800-441-2555 or by email at consumers@attorneygeneral.gov. To report identity theft on a federal level, you should contact Federal Trade Commission at 877-438-4338 or on their website.