where do you file a complaint against a lawyer in indiana

by Prof. Magdalen Balistreri DDS 4 min read

To file a complaint about a lawyer in Indiana: http://www.in.gov/ Lawyer Complaint Mailing Address Disciplinary Commission 115 W. Washington St., Suite 1165 Indianapolis, IN 46204 Telephone 317-232-1807 Complaints about Indiana Judges and Indiana Lawyers Each State has its own procedures for filing complaints against judges. All states require a written and signed complaint.

Full Answer

How do I file a complaint against the Indiana Attorney General?

Consumer Protection Division. Office of the Indiana Attorney General. 302 W. Washington St., 5th Floor. Indianapolis, IN 46204. You can also request a complaint form by calling 1.800.382.5516 or 317.232.6330. Facebook.

Can I file a complaint against my attorney?

Filing a complaint against an attorney is a serious matter, and should be limited to significant problems. Issues like slowness to respond, curtness, lack of empathy, condescension, or even sloppy legal work - while often meriting a cautionary review on Avvo - will rarely suffice.

How do I file a complaint against a license holder?

Either way, the first step for any complaint is a review by the Attorney General. If evidence is found to suggest the complaint has merit, the Attorney General then brings it to the appropriate board or commission, seeking action against the license holder.

How do I find a lawyer's license in Indiana?

Another way to learn about whether a lawyer's license is active and in good standing is to use the Roll of Indiana Attorneys online database to search for your attorney. A search may be conducted using the attorney's last name and, optionally, the city in which the lawyer practices law.

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

What do I do if I have a complaint against a lawyer?Open and complete the form, save it to your computer, then attach it along with any supporting documents in an email to DCGrievance@courts.in,gov. ... Open and complete the form, print it and mail it to:

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 you write a complaint letter about a lawyer?

Formal complaint against [name of lawyer or law firm] describe what the lawyer had been hired to do for you [for example dealing with the sale or purchase of a house] • say when this was [give the date or dates when the problem occurred]. My complaint is that [list what you think went wrong or wasn't done properly.

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 are the main areas of dispute and complaints for law firms?

Professional Negligence. Civil Fraud and Investigations. Financial Services Disputes. Wills, Trusts and Inheritance Disputes.

How long should a lawyer take to respond?

A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return.

What is a Marsden hearing?

A Marsden motion is a formal request made by a criminal defendant to the court. The court hears arguments on the motion from the defendant and the attorney, without the presence of the prosecutor.

Is it normal not to hear from your attorney?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.

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...•

What happens if a lawyer lies to a judge?

If a lawyer lies to the Judge about something that is within his own knowledge -- such as something the lawyer did or didn't do during the lawsuit, then he can be suspended or disbarred. However, it's important to distinguish what you mean by a "lawyer lying" from examples when a lawyer is not really lying.

How do you write a formal letter to an attorney?

A letter to an attorney should be written in a formal letter format with the attorney's name, law firm and address at the top near the date, addressed using a salutation and signed off with a closing such as "Very Truly Yours" or "Sincerely."

How to File A Complaint

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and each of its boards and commissions is charged with the responsibility of disciplining license holders who have violated practice standards, acted dishonestly, or acted unethically. Indiana has standards of practice that apply to all regulated professions.

How the Process Works

A consumer complaint can be filed with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency or directly to its ultimate home, the Indiana Attorney General. Either way, the first step for any complaint is a review by the Attorney General.

Commonly Used Terms

Administrative Complaint - a complaint filed with the board by the Attorney General that describes the alleged conduct a licensed professional has engaged in and the laws and administrative rules the professional has violated; sometimes referred to as disciplinary charges.

Do You Have a Customer Dispute?

Do you have a dispute with a company or a provider that might lead to your getting a resolution on the product or service you purchased? The Better Business Bureau supports consumers and businesses alike, and it sets standards for ethical business behavior and monitors compliance.

What to do if your attorney is not working in Indiana?

If that doesn't work, you may file a grievance with the Disciplinary Commission within the Indiana courts system. Visit the Indiana Disciplinary Commission’s website to learn about what types of violations attorneys can be disciplined for, and how to file complaints. Note that the Disciplinary Commission does not provide legal advice ...

Is it illegal to practice law in Indiana?

It is unlawful to provide legal services to Indiana residents and/or on Indiana legal matters without being authorized to practice law. Pursuant to the Indiana Rules for Admission to the Bar and the Discipline of Attorneys, the Indiana Supreme Court has given the ISBA’s Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee the specific authority to restrain or enjoin the unauthorized practice of law in Indiana (see Rule 24).

You can submit this form in one of two ways

Open and complete the form, save it to your computer then attach it to an email and send it to jqcinquiry@courts.in.gov. When emailing a fillable form, save the form using the print as PDF option. If you do not know how to print as PDF, see this quick tutorial. Make sure you have the most current version of Adobe Reader installed.

What to expect

The Commission is required to maintain the confidentiality of all complaints and investigations unless formal charges are filed. You will be notified first, if that happens.

What is the name of the board that handles complaints against lawyers?

In many states, a division of the courts handles these complaints. This is typically referred to as the disciplinary board . Some states rely on their state bar associations to discipline their attorneys.

What happens if a complaint is found to be true?

If the complaint is found to be true, the disciplinary board can fine the attorney, force the attorney to attend classes or perform community service, or take away the attorney's license. The disciplinary board typically does not give the person who complained about the attorney any money.

What is disciplinary action for an attorney?

For attorneys, a disciplinary action is very serious as it can directly affect their ability to earn a living. It may be best to first try and resolve any dispute you have with the attorney on your own.

Do lawyers make mistakes?

Most lawyers do their most to provide the best representation possible. However, every so often lawyers do not act properly or make serious mistakes, and in those cases their clients can file a complaint with the entity responsible for overseeing the practice of law in their state.

What is the Indiana Ombudsman Bureau?

The Indiana Ombudsman Bureau receives, answers, and investigates complaints from offenders and/or offenders' family members. The jurisdiction of the Bureau is limited to reviewing matters to determine whether the Department of Corrections has violated any of its policies and procedures.

How long does it take for the Ombudsman to respond to a complaint?

Once a complaint is filed, the Ombudsman Bureau will try to respond to the complaint within ten business days of receipt of the complaint. If an investigation is opened on a complaint, a response may take somewhat longer; however, after you file a complaint you will receive a response from the Bureau in some fashion.

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How to File A Complaint

How The Process Works

  • A consumer complaint can be filed with the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency or directly to its ultimate home, the Indiana Attorney General. Either way, the first step for any complaint is a review by the Attorney General. If evidence is found to suggest the complaint has merit, the Attorney General then brings it to the appropriate board or co...
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Commonly Used Terms

  • Administrative Complaint- a complaint filed with the board by the Attorney General that describes the alleged conduct a licensed professional has engaged in and the laws and administrative rules the professional has violated; sometimes referred to as disciplinary charges. Administrative Law Judge- an individual or panel of individuals that preside over an administrative proceeding, recei…
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Do You Have A Customer Dispute?

  • Do you have a dispute with a company or a provider that might lead to your getting a resolution on the product or service you purchased? The Better Business Bureau supports consumers and businesses alike, and it sets standards for ethical business behavior and monitors compliance. Click hereto file a complaint. They will review your marketplace dispute and serve as a liaison be…
See more on in.gov