File a Complaint
How to File a Complaint
MAIL
Expectations
ONLINE
- To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below.
- For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here.
- If you prefer, you can print the fillable English-language complaint form found here. After signing the completed form, mail it directly to the district office where the attorney practices.
- In addition to English, complaint forms are available in the following languages: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Haitian Creole, Nepali, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, and Vietnamese.
If you are unable to complete and/or submit a complaint because of a physical disability, please contact the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
- An acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint and assignment of a file number for future reference;
- A fair and impartial investigation performed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), wherein staff may communicate with you, the attorney, and in some cases, other parties, to obtain information;
- An efficient disposition of your complaint, being mindful of the complexity of the matter, cooperation of all parties, and availability of documents, among other things, which may affect the duration of the investigation; and
- To receive official notification of the disposition of your complaint.
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT EXPECT?
- Assistance or advice from the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
- Direction from the Disciplinary Board or ODC to your attorney to take or refrain from a particular action;
- Representation by the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
- A referral by the Disciplinary Board or ODC to a new lawyer to handle your matter; or
- Reimbursement or other monetary compensation through the process.*
FEE DISPUTES
- Fee disputes are not normally handled within the attorney disciplinary process. Individuals should pursue fee disputes with the Bar association in the county where the attorney practices.
* If you sustained a financial loss as a result of your attorney’s dishonest conduct, you may file a claim with the Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security (PaLFCS). Claim forms and additional information may be found on the PaLFCS website at www.palawfund.com.
ONLINE
- To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below.
- For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here.
- If you prefer, you can print the fillable English-language complaint form found here. After signing the completed form, mail it directly to the district office where the attorney practices.
- In addition to English, complaint forms are available in the following languages: Spanish, Arabic, Chinese (Simplified), Haitian Creole, Nepali, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, and Vietnamese.
If you are unable to complete and/or submit a complaint because of a physical disability, please contact the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.
WHAT SHOULD YOU EXPECT?
- An acknowledgment of receipt of the complaint and assignment of a file number for future reference;
- A fair and impartial investigation performed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC), wherein staff may communicate with you, the attorney, and in some cases, other parties, to obtain information;
- An efficient disposition of your complaint, being mindful of the complexity of the matter, cooperation of all parties, and availability of documents, among other things, which may affect the duration of the investigation; and
- To receive official notification of the disposition of your complaint.
WHAT SHOULD YOU NOT EXPECT?
- Assistance or advice from the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
- Direction from the Disciplinary Board or ODC to your attorney to take or refrain from a particular action;
- Representation by the Disciplinary Board or ODC with respect to your legal matter;
- A referral by the Disciplinary Board or ODC to a new lawyer to handle your matter; or
- Reimbursement or other monetary compensation through the process.*
FEE DISPUTES
- Fee disputes are not normally handled within the attorney disciplinary process. Individuals should pursue fee disputes with the Bar association in the county where the attorney practices.
* If you sustained a financial loss as a result of your attorney’s dishonest conduct, you may file a claim with the Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security (PaLFCS). Claim forms and additional information may be found on the PaLFCS website at www.palawfund.com.
Online Complaint Form
This section of the website is currently offline. You may file a complaint on paper using the form located under “Mail” above.