how to report a bad lawyer in georgia

Depending on the offense, the agency might: issue a private reprimand (usually a letter sent to the lawyer) issue a public reprimand (usually published in the agency’s official reports and a local legal journal or newspaper) suspend the lawyer (the lawyer cannot practice law for a specific time)

Full Answer

What to do if you have a problem with your attorney?

But first you need to file a complaint against the attorney. If criminal conduct is suspected, the State Bar may also refer the matter to a law enforcement agency for investigation and potential prosecution. Having a fee dispute with your attorney? Having a problem with your lawyer?

Can a lawyer get a warning from the State Bar?

If, after investigation, the evidence does not establish a serious violation, the State Bar may issue a warning to the lawyer. The State Bar could also issue an Agreement in Lieu of Discipline (ALD), in which the lawyer agrees to take corrective action. Neither a warning nor an ALD are considered discipline.

How do I file an anti-discrimination complaint in Georgia?

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has a district office in Atlanta, Georgia and a local office in Savannah, Georgia. Employees can file a complaint at these offices or by e-mail, fax, or phone call. Although the state doesn't have an anti-discrimination law, some cities and counties in Georgia have local ordinances of their own.

How do I file a complaint against my lawyer?

If you believe you have a valid complaint about how your lawyer has handled your case, inform the organization that governs law licenses in your state. Usually this is the disciplinary board of the highest court in your state.

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

If you have a consumer complaint, please contact our Consumer Protection Division at (404) 651-8600 or (800) 869-1123 toll free outside Metro Atlanta. You may also file a consumer complaint online.

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 Georgia?

The State Bar of GeorgiaThe State Bar of Georgia is the governing body of the legal profession in the State of Georgia, operating under the supervision of the Supreme Court of Georgia.

What does filing a complaint with the Attorney General do?

After a complaint is filed, it is reviewed by an attorney general representative who determines whether: The complaint is appropriate for mediation by the office. If it should be referred to another governmental entity that may be more suited to assist with the consumer's complaint. Or both depending on the situation.

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 ...

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 report an attorney to the bar association in Georgia?

Speak with attorney Hinds by calling 770-901-2698 today....The Four Stages Of A Bar Proceeding In GeorgiaAll grievances, submitted in writing, are reviewed by the Grievance Counsel. ... The grievance is examined to determine if it accuses the attorney of a violation of any Bar Rules.Option:

How do I file a habeas corpus in Georgia?

Habeas petitions are generally filed in superior court in the county where the inmate is being held. However, a federal inmate is required to file a petition in the sentencing court. After pleadings have been filed, the court generally sets a hearing date.

What are the duties of the attorney general of Georgia?

The office represents the State of Georgia in all civil cases before any court and in all cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. The Attorney General also prepares contracts and agreements, prosecutes public corruption cases, and oversees the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit.

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.

What are the duties and responsibilities of the attorney general?

As the chief officer of the Department of Justice, the attorney general enforces federal laws, provides legal counsel in federal cases, interprets the laws that govern executive departments, heads federal jails and penal institutions, and examines alleged violations of federal laws.

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.

How to resolve a dispute with a company?

Often you can resolve a dispute by talking to a person in a position of authority at the business, such as a manager or even the company president . They want your business and know it is usually easier to resolve a dispute and keep a good customer than it is to find a new one.

How long does it take to dispute a credit card charge?

This means not only working with the merchant to rectify the situation, but also notifying the credit card company directly, in writing, within 60 days of the initial billing date. More information on how and where to file your dispute should appear on the back of your credit card statement.

Can a complaint be reviewed in Georgia?

We will review your complaint and take action on behalf of the consuming public as appropriate. We may refer any complaint to another agency or, depending on the nature of your claim, we may communicate with the business involved before responding to you. Georgia Department of Law's Consumer Protection Division does not act as a judge in the dispute and cannot force the business to reimburse you or comply in any other way. The matter may escalate to an investigation if the company has shown a pattern of similar violations that fall under our jurisdiction.

What is the Georgia Department of Law?

The Georgia Department of Law’s Consumer Protection Division protects Georgia consumers and legitimate businesses from unfair and deceptive practices involving consumer transactions. We do this by investigating consumer complaints, monitoring the marketplace, taking enforcement action against violators of the law and through consumer education.

What is lemon law in Georgia?

Have you had continuing problems with a vehicle you purchased new, leased new or registered new in Georgia? The Lemon Law provides a self-help process to help get eligible vehicles repaired, replaced or repurchased.

How to report an attorney for ethics violation?

In order to report an attorney for ethics violation, you are required to file a complaint, clearly stating a valid reason, to the Disciplinary Counsel of the state in which your attorney is licensed . In order to file a complaint, you can choose any one of the following options: 1) Write a detailed letter, stating clearly the lawyer's name, ...

How to file a complaint against a lawyer?

2) Fill out all the required details in a general form made available by the Bar Association of the state. 3) Fill your complaint via hotline. However, this facility is available only ...

What to do if your attorney is unfair?

If you feel your attorney has been unfair with you or your case, you can report him/her to the Bar Association for ethics violation. All the lawyers are required to abide by a certain code of ethics that directs their professional conduct. Although most attorneys hold on to these standards, a Disciplinary Counsel has been appointed by every state ...

How long does it take to respond to a complaint?

If the complaint is found to be valid and justified, its copy is sent to the attorney in question along with a notice, requesting him/her to respond to the complaint within 10-25 days. After the lawyer responds, you would be given a chance to comment on the response.

Can a lawyer be dismissed for ethics violation?

If you manage to provide enough evidence to prove your claim, the case will remain open until solved. However, if no evidence of ethics violation is found, your case can be dismissed by the board. Thus, before reporting a lawyer to the Bar for ethics violation, it is better to review your own complaint and collect enough evidence ...

What to do if your lawyer doesn't respond?

If your lawyer does not respond, or subsequent meetings or conversations are not fruitful, consider suggesting mediation to work out your communication problems if you still want this lawyer to represent you. A bad deskside manner doesn't mean that the lawyer isn't an excellent lawyer, and it can be difficult to find a new one in the middle of a case.

What to do if your lawyer is unresponsive?

If the lawyer is unresponsive and the matter involves a lawsuit, go to the courthouse and look at your case file, which contains all the papers that have actually been filed with the court. If you've hired a new lawyer, ask her for help in getting your file. Also, ask your state bar association for assistance.

What is the agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers?

Every state has an agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers. In most states, it's the bar association; in others, the state supreme court. The agency is most likely to take action if your lawyer has failed to pay you money that you won in a settlement or lawsuit, made some egregious error such as failing to show up in court, didn't do legal work you paid for, committed a crime, or has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

What to do if you lost money because of a lawyer?

If you lost money because of the way your lawyer handled your case, consider suing for malpractice. Know, however, that it is not an easy task. You must prove two things:

What is the defense of a lawyer who is sued for malpractice?

A common defense raised by attorneys sued for malpractice is that the client waited too long to sue. And because this area of the law can be surprisingly complicated and confusing, there's often plenty of room for argument. Legal malpractice cases are expensive to pursue, so do some investigating before you dive in.

What to do if you can't find out what has been done?

If you can't find out what has (and has not) been done, you need to get hold of your file. You can read it in your lawyer's office or ask your lawyer to send you copies of everything -- all correspondence and everything filed with the court or recorded with a government agency.

What happens if a lawyer doesn't return phone calls?

A lawyer who doesn't return phone calls or communicate with you for an extended period of time may be guilty of abandoning you -- a violation of attorneys' ethical obligations. But that's for a bar association to determine (if you register a complaint), and it won't do you much good in the short term.

What to do if you have a complaint about a lawyer?

If you believe you have a valid complaint about how your lawyer has handled your case, inform the organization that governs law licenses in your state. Usually this is the disciplinary board of the highest court in your state. In some states, the state bar association is responsible for disciplining lawyers.

What to do if your lawyer is not responding to your complaint?

If your lawyer is unwilling to address your complaints, consider taking your legal affairs to another lawyer. You can decide whom to hire (and fire) as your lawyer. However, remember that when you fire a lawyer, you may be charged a reasonable amount for the work already done.

Why should a lawyer refuse to take a case?

Unnecessary delays can often damage a case. If, because of overwork or any other reason, a lawyer is unable to spend the required time and energy on a case , the lawyer should refuse from the beginning to take the case. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client.

How should a lawyer act in both professional and private life?

How a lawyer should act, in both professional and private life, is controlled by the rules of professional conduct in the state or states in which he or she is licensed to practice. These rules are usually administered by the state’s highest court through its disciplinary board.

What is the relationship between a lawyer and a client?

In a lawyer-client relationship, acting responsibly involves duties on both sides—and often involves some hard work. You have a right to expect competent representation from your lawyer. However, every case has at least two sides. If you are unhappy with your lawyer, it is important to determine the reasons.

What is the job of a lawyer?

Communication. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client. When a client asks for an explanation, the lawyer must provide it within a reasonable time. A lawyer must inform a client about changes in a case caused by time and circumstances. Fees.

What happens if your lawyer doesn't communicate?

A lack of communication causes many problems. If your lawyer appears to have acted improperly, or did not do something that you think he or she should have done, talk with your lawyer about it. You may be satisfied once you understand the circumstances better. I have tried to discuss my complaints with my lawyer.

Who handles complaints about unethical attorney conduct?

The State Bar’s Office of Chief Trial Counsel handles complaints about unethical attorney conduct from several different sources, including clients, family and friends of clients, courts, opposing counsel, members of the public or other third parties, and anonymous submissions.

How to recover money from a lawyer?

If you lost money or property because a lawyer did something dishonest, you may be able to recover it by filing an application with the Client Security Fund. But first you need to file a complaint against the attorney.

What happens if the review determines that the alleged facts establish a violation?

If the review determines that the alleged facts establish a violation, the matter will be investigated. Complaints and investigations are confidential. If, after investigation, the evidence does not establish a serious violation, the State Bar may issue a warning to the lawyer.

What does the state bar refer to when a criminal is suspected?

If criminal conduct is suspected, the State Bar may also refer the matter to a law enforcement agency for investigation and potential prosecution.

Does the State Bar notify the complainant of receipt of a complaint?

With the exception of anonymous complaints, the State Bar notifies the complainant of receipt of the complaint. An experienced State Bar attorney will review the complaint to determine if the facts are sufficient to show that an ethical violation occurred. Additional documents from the complainant may be needed to complete this evaluation.

Is the Medical Board's investigative file confidential?

The Board's investigative files are confidential. However, doctors and other allied health care professionals within the jurisdiction of the Medical Board are disciplined through an administrative law procedure. At some point in this procedure a hearing may be required.

Can you file a complaint against a medical practice board?

If you believe a provider licensed by this Board has violated provisions of the Medical Practice Act, has acted in a manner that is considered "unprofessional conduct", or has provided a level of care that would fall below the minimum standard of care, then you may have the basis for a complaint. You may now file complaints online or by mail.

Is there a statutory limit on when you can file a complaint with the Medical Board?

Is there a statutory limit on when I may file my complaint? No, there is no statutory limit as to when you may file a complaint with the Medical Board. However, as time progresses, it may be more difficult for our investigative staff to gather information to support the complaint.

How long does it take to file a complaint in Georgia?

Employees who feel they were discriminated against have 180 days to file a complaint with the Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity's Equal Employment Division. The Equal Employment Division will investigate, and announce its determination within 90 days of receiving the complaint. References.

What is harassment complaint?

The EEOC handles two distinct types of harassment complaint. One is when an employee is expected to accept offensive behavior as a condition of employment. The other is when the behavior of supervisors or coworkers creates a hostile work environment.

What is the federal law against discrimination?

Federal Laws. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces federal laws against harassment and discrimination at work, including the the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act, the 1967 Age Discrimination in Employment Act and Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Under federal law, it is illegal to discriminate against or harass an ...

Is it illegal to harass an employee?

For example, an employee subjected to frequent or offensive jokes about his ethnic background might have a strong case for a hostile work environment complaint. It is also illegal to harass an employee for opposing discrimination or testifying in a discrimination case.

Does Georgia have an anti-discrimination law?

Although the state doesn't have an anti-discrimination law, some cities and counties in Georgia have local ordinances of their own. In these areas, the employee must file a complaint with the local agency first.

Does Georgia have a hostile work environment law?

Because Georgia has no equivalent workplace discrimination or harassment laws of its own affecting private employers, most hostile work environment complaints in Georgia are handled by the EEOC.