How to File a Missouri Bar Complaint Against Unethical Missouri Attorneys

Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel - 3327 American Avenue - Jefferson City, Missouri 65109 - Phone: (573) 635-7400 - Website: - Online Luke 11:46 “Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers“ You should consider making a complaint against a Missouri attorney when you believe there has been a violation of ethical or legal standards in their professional conduct. Here’s when and how to proceed: - Ethical Violations: If an attorney’s behavior or actions breach the Rules of Professional Conduct, such as: - Neglect of Client Matters: Failing to act with reasonable diligence or promptly on a client’s behalf. - Conflict of Interest: Representing clients with conflicting interests without proper consent. - Misuse of Client Funds: Misappropriation or failure to properly account for client funds. - Misrepresentation: Making false statements or misleading courts, clients, or third parties. - Failure to Communicate: Not keeping clients adequately informed about their cases. - Professional Misconduct: This includes behavior that might not directly affect your case but tarnishes the legal profession’s integrity, like: - Dishonesty, Fraud or Misrepresentation: Engaging in these outside of legal practice which could reflect poorly on their ability to practice law. - Unprofessional Conduct: Harassment, discrimination, or other behavior that impacts the dignity of the profession. - Fee Disputes: If you believe the fees charged by the attorney are unreasonable or were not adequately explained or agreed upon beforehand. - Failure to Act Competently: If the attorney lacks the competence to handle your legal matter or fails to acquire the necessary knowledge or skill through reasonable preparation. - Confidentiality Breaches: If the attorney discloses information without your consent, except in specific legal circumstances where disclosure is allowed or required. Filing a Complaint: - Documentation: Keep detailed records of all interactions, including dates, times, and specifics of what occurred. Collect any correspondence, bills, or case documents. - Filing: You should file your complaint with the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel (OCDC) in Missouri. They are responsible for investigating and taking action against attorneys for ethical misconduct. - Process: After filing, the OCDC will review your complaint. If it meets the criteria for an investigation, they will notify the attorney, who then has a chance to respond. The investigation might lead to a formal hearing, disciplinary action, or could be dismissed if no misconduct is substantiated. - Public Interest: If the attorney’s actions have broader implications affecting public trust in the legal system, filing a complaint might also be considered. - Consider Legal Advice: Before filing, consulting with another attorney can provide clarity on whether your case has merit under legal ethics rules. Remember, filing a complaint is serious and should be based on substantial evidence or clear unethical behavior. While public sentiment or X posts might highlight issues, these alone are not sufficient for formal complaints. Always aim for factual documentation and, where possible, legal counsel to navigate these waters effectively. #missouri #attorney