who do you contact for lawyer problems in indiana

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

It's always a good idea to try to work things out with your lawyer informally. If that doesn't work, you may file a grievance with the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission. To file a grievance, you must complete and submit a Request for Investigation form.

Where can I find civil legal help in Indiana?

The Coalition for Court Access helps people across Indiana looking for civil legal help with non-criminal issues including family, housing, and healthcare. For Legal Professionals Calendar of Events Job Postings Pro Bono Volunteer Opportunities Professional Responsibility CLE Contact Find Legal Help Low Cost Legal Help Hiring a Lawyer

What to do if you are having trouble with your attorney?

I’m sorry you are having trouble with your attorneys. Sometimes lawyers respond better to letters sent to them (as opposed to emails or telephone calls). You might suggest, in your letter, that you will need to find different representation if the lawyers don’t move your case forward.

What are the rules of Professional Conduct for Indiana lawyers?

All lawyers must follow the Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct. The Disciplinary Commission enforces these rules. Matters that do not involve substantial claims of misconduct or that involve disputes over the amount of fees, unless the fees are clearly unreasonable, are not handled through the lawyer discipline system.

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:

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.

Can you sue a lawyer for not doing their job?

A claim of malpractice may exist if your lawyer exhibited negligence in your representation. If your lawyer's negligence caused you to suffer harm or a less advantageous outcome or settlement in your case, you may have a claim to sue your lawyer for professional negligence.

What does the Indiana attorney general do?

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is the state's chief legal officer. His office represents the state in cases involving the state's interest, provides legal defense to state officials or agencies in court, and gives formal legal advisory opinions on constitutional or legal questions to state officials.

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...•

How do I write a grievance letter?

Basic ruleskeep your letter to the point. You need to give enough detail for your employer to be able to investigate your complaint properly. ... keep to the facts. ... never use abusive or offensive language. ... explain how you felt about the behaviour you are complaining about but don't use emotive language.

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 should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

Why do lawyers ignore you?

If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.

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'.

Who is the Attorney General for the state of Indiana?

Attorneys General are chosen by a statewide general election to serve for a four-year term. The forty-fourth and current Attorney General is Todd Rokita....Indiana Attorney GeneralIncumbent Todd Rokita since January 11, 2021Term lengthFour yearsConstituting instrumentConstitution of IndianaFormation18554 more rows

What is the salary of the Attorney General of Indiana?

As of May 25, 2022, the average annual pay for an Attorney General in Indiana is $65,235 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $31.36 an hour. This is the equivalent of $1,255/week or $5,436/month.

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 you don't report a violation of the law?

If there's no evidence of a violation, the board will dismiss the case and notify you. If the violation is minor, a phone call or letter to the lawyer usually ends the matter.

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.

What is the role of a disciplinary board in a state?

State Disciplinary Boards. Each state has a disciplinary board that enforces state ethics rules for lawyers. The board is usually an arm of the state’s supreme court and has authority to interpret ethics rules, investigate potential violations, conduct evidentiary hearings, and administer attorney discipline.

What is the role 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. To protect the public—and the integrity of the legal profession—each state has its own code of ethics that lawyers must follow. These are usually called the “rules of professional conduct.”

What is incompetence in a lawyer?

Lawyer incompetence. Lawyers must have the knowledge and experience to competently handle any case that they take on. They must also be sufficiently prepared to handle matters that come up in your case, from settlement negotiations to trial. Conflicts of interest.

What is a public reprimand?

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) disbar the lawyer (the lawyer loses his or her license to practice law), and/or.

What is the Indiana Roll of Attorneys?

The Roll of Attorneys is the listing of all attorneys licensed to practice law in Indiana. Search for attorneys by name or attorney number. Each attorney’s record includes license status, disciplinary history, contact information the attorney has chosen to display, and any other names the attorney has practiced under.

Do attorneys have to provide email addresses?

Attorneys are required to provide their correct name, county of residen ce, and contact information (including email address) to the Clerk. Attorneys are responsible for updating their information displayed on this web site, and may do so on the Courts Portal.

Types of Issues Handled by IDOI

Example of the types of Problems that you may submit to the Department:

This is what we CAN do

Forward a copy of your complaint to the insurance company, if appropriate:

Jurisdiction of IDOI

The IDOI has the authority to regulate (i.e. license, review rates and policies, review financial statements, investigate complaints, conduct examinations and issue orders/penalties) all insurance companies, producers, premium finance companies, motor clubs and HMO's that are licensed to conduct business in Indiana.

File a Consumer Complaint

Consumer complaints against insurance companies must be received in writing. There are 2 ways you may submit a complaint to IDOI. You may file a complaint using our on-line form or you may print off our form and mail or fax to the Consumer Services Division. (If you are a health care provider, please use the Provider Complaint Form ( click here)

File a Provider Complaint

Provider complaints against insurance companies must be received in writing. You may print off our form and mail or fax it to the Consumer Services Division. *Note - Please read requirements before filing a provider complaint.

Report Fraud

To regulate the insurance industry and cut down on fraudulent activity the IDOI and the NAIC ask that any suspected fraudulent activity regarding insurance brokers, insurance companies, or insurance plans be reported.

Claim Tips

To help avoid problems getting claims paid, the Indiana Department of Insurance offers these tips:

What to do if you are unsure about an attorney?

If you are unsure whether your concerns with an attorney involve professional misconduct, in most states you can call or email the disciplinary office and discuss the matter prior to submitting a written complaint. Contact information for attorney regulatory authorities, by jurisdiction:

What are some examples of attorney practices that violate the Rules?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Failure to provide an accounting of your money or property held by the attorney. Commingling your funds with the attorney's own money. Refusing to return your file at the conclusion of the representation.

What are some examples of attorney misconduct?

Some examples of attorney practices that violates the Rules include: Serious neglect of your case. Failure to provide an accounting of your money ...

What happens if you can't afford a lawyer?

In a criminal proceeding, if you can't afford legal assistance, a court will appoint an attorney for you. In a civil case, generally described as a dispute between two private parties, to get legal representation, you have to get creative. Here's how to find legal help if you can't afford a lawyer:

What time does the Akron Bar Association answer legal questions?

The Akron Bar Association, in Akron, Ohio, is an example of what's out there. You can call the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 9 to 11 a.m., as part of their Ask an Attorney Service, and they'll answer legal questions for free.

What is legal aid?

Legal aid societies are nonprofit organizations found in almost every corner of the country that provide free legal services to low-income people. While this is certainly worth exploring, the problem for many households is that the individual or couple makes too much money to qualify for help.

What happens if you lose a case?

That is, if you lose your case, you won't pay money, but if you win, the law firm will take a portion of the money awarded to you. However, it's important to tread carefully before picking a lawyer. Choose a reputable attorney and make sure the rate is agreed upon before the lawyer takes your case.

Can a lawyer represent you on contingency?

It's risky for lawyers to take cases on contingency, and they need to be confident a judge or jury will side with you, and that there's going to be something sizable awarded to you. While no legal expert will suggest you represent yourself, it is an option if you're in a financial bind.

Can you go to small claims court after divorce?

For instance, you can't go to small claims court if you're trying to work out your financial affairs after a divorce. But if the stakes are fairly low where someone owes you money or is trying to collect money from you, and it isn't worth risking lawyer fees, you might consider small claims court.

Do attorneys give discounts?

An attorney might give you a discount. Also, many attorneys offer payment plans, so that you're paying monthly instead of one huge sum all at once. Of course, you could hit the jackpot and find a pro bono lawyer, or you might find someone willing to take your case on contingency.

How to get a different public defender?

In most cases, you can get a different public defender by writing a letter to the judge. Accordingly, you can mention to your lawyer that you want to explore getting a different public defender. Hopefully this will motivate your attorney to either (a) be more responsive, or (b) help you request a new lawyer. Reply.

What is the ethical obligation of a lawyer?

A lawyer has an ethical obligation to communicate with his clients. If he’s holding documents or if his lack of communication is holding up your ability to settle the estate, he’s not meeting his ethical duty to you as a client. You might wish to send a certified letter, as you mentioned.

When are court records open?

August 9, 2019 at 7:24 pm. Court records are generally open to the public. You can go to the court where your case was filed (usually, the county where the accident occurred or where the defendant lives) and request to see the court file (go to the clerk’s office in the courthouse).

Can a new lawyer file a notice of withdrawal?

The new lawyer can (1) make sure the old lawyer has actually filed the notice of withdrawal, (2) make sure any new paperwork/notices get directed to the right place, and (3) make sure there aren’t any upcoming deadlines that need prompt action.

Do attorneys have an ethical duty to communicate with their clients?

Attorneys are often very busy. With that being said, attorneys have an ethical duty to communicate with their clients. I would recommend sending your attorney a letter outlining your concerns and explaining that you are going to look for a new attorney if the issues aren’t resolved.