File a Complaint

ONLINE

To file a complaint, fill out the electronic form below.
For FAQs related to the complaint process, click here.

MAIL

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.

Expectations

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.

MAIL

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.

Online Complaint Form

A. Complainant

Prefix

First Name

M.I. (Optional)

Last Name

Suffix (Optional)

Street Address

Address Line 2 (Optional)

City

State

Zip Code

Country

Email Address

Telephone Number (Include Area Code)

Are you an attorney or formerly admitted attorney?

Yes

In what jurisdiction(s)?

Bar Number(s)?

Are you a judge?

Yes

What court and where?

B. Attorney Complained of:

Attorney ID#

Lookup An Attorney

First Name

M.I. (Optional)

Last Name

Suffix (Optional)

Name of Office/Firm (e.g. the name of the private law firm, business or other entity, Public Defender's Office, District Attorney's Office, or other government office)

Street Address of Office

Address Line 2 (Optional)

City

State

Zip Code

County (Optional)

Country

Email Address (Optional)

Telephone Number (Include Area Code)

C. Legal Matter

Type of Case(s) (check all that apply)

Loading Options...

For the Matter Marked Above:

1. Is the matter ongoing at this time?

Yes

2. Does the matter involve litigation (a court case)?

Yes

Name of Court or other forum (e.g. Magistrate, State Trial, Federal, Superior, Commonwealth, Supreme, workers' compensation, EEOC, etc.):

County:

State:

Full Docket Number:

Any Other Relevant Docket Numbers (e.g. if the matter is on appeal to a higher Court, provide that docket number below, in addition to any docket number listed above)

Plaintiff name(s):

Defendant name(s):

Date matter was filed (month and year):

D. Prior Complaints Concerning this Matter or this Attorney

Have you previously filed a complaint concerning this matter or this attorney with the Disciplinary Board, a Bar Association or its Fee Dispute Committee, any District Justice, Court, District Attorney or any other agency or office:

Yes

Name of Office/Agency:

Date Submitted:

Nature of Your Complaint:

Result/Action Taken by the Office/Agency:

F. Confidentiality

Staff of the Disciplinary Board and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel are required to maintain the confidentiality of complaints and related investigations and proceedings unless and until one of the exceptions to confidentiality, as set forth in Rule 402 of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement, applies. Office of Disciplinary Counsel staff may interview the respondent-attorney or other persons who may have information that is relevant to the complaint, and may disclose information when disclosure is permitted or required by Court or Board Rules.

G. Immunity

Enforcement Rule 209(b) provides that any person who communicates with Disciplinary Counsel or the Board relating to misconduct by a respondent-attorney or gives testimony before a hearing committee or special master in a proceeding conducted pursuant to the Enforcement Rules, shall be immune from civil suit based upon such communication or testimony.

By checking this box I verify that all statements are true.

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