File a complaint about lawyer

Additional documents from the complainant may be needed to complete this evaluation. If the review determines that the alleged facts establish a violation, the matter will be investigated. Complaints and investigations are confidential. If, after investigation, the evidence does not establish a serious violation, the State Bar may issue a warning to the lawyer. Neither a warning nor an ALD are considered discipline.

If the State Bar decides to file charges against the lawyer, the case will go to the independent State Bar Court and will become public, with notice on the attorney's online profile. A judge can dismiss the case, issue a reproval, or recommend suspension or disbarment. Accepting a fee to do legal work, and not doing the work within a reasonable length of time. While some matters may be concluded in a relatively short period of time, others may require up to several years to complete.

Accepting a case the lawyer is not professionally competent to handle. For example, a complicated tax matter might require an attorney experienced with tax law, not a criminal lawyer.

A complicated child custody case might better be handled by an attorney experienced in family law, not an attorney who focuses on probate matters. Dishonesty to a client, a court or others. This is not an exhaustive or exclusive list. Personality conflicts between a client and his lawyer. Allegations that a criminal conviction or sentence was unfair. Complaints about a mistake that happened during the trial trial are usually addressed through an appeal.

Claims of ineffective assistance of counsel in a criminal case are addressed through the post-conviction relief process although ineffective assistance of counsel may sometimes also involve allegations of lawyer misconduct. A lawyer not obtaining a favorable outcome in a legal matter. For example, complaints growing out of a domestic relations case when the client did not get the result the client wanted do not necessarily involve allegations of lawyer or judicial misconduct.

Collecting a bill owed by a lawyer. If the matter for which you hired the lawyer still needs attention and you have not fired the lawyer or your lawyer has not withdrawn from representing you, you may continue to consult with your lawyer or any other lawyer of your choosing to ensure that your legal rights are protected.

If you wish to end the representation, it is important that you communicate your decision to the lawyer directly, preferably in writing, and that you secure other representation if your legal matter still needs attention or resolution.

Illinois Supreme Court Rule provides that any person who communicates to the ARDC a complaint concerning a lawyer or allegations concerning the unauthorized practice of law, shall be immune from civil liability which might result from the communication. This immunity, however, applies only to communications made to ARDC employees and board members.

Lawyer Registration. Expand All Collapse All. First consider…. If I lost money because of my lawyer, can I get it back? Fee disputes. Criminal behavior by a lawyer. Complaints about judges.

How do I file a complaint? Randolph Dr. White Oaks Dr. What should I put in my complaint? Is there a fee or cost to file a complaint? There is no fee or cost to you. What happens after I file my complaint? What happens if the ARDC decides to investigate my complaint? How long does an investigation take? What are the possible outcomes of an ARDC investigation?

Can I withdraw my complaint? Is there a time limit or statute of limitations for filing an ARDC complaint? Can the ARDC give me advice or help me with my case? Can the ARDC remove or replace my lawyer? Can the ARDC help me find a lawyer? Does my lawyer still represent me after I file a complaint?

Can I be sued for complaining about a lawyer? Staff is working remotely. We remain available to assist lawyers and members of the public by telephone and email. ARDC E. ARDC W.