How to File an Ethics Complaint Against an Attorney in Ohio
- 1). Review the ethical duties of attorneys in the Ohio State Bar's Code of Professional Responsibility to determine if the behavior you wish to complain about is prohibited. The Code primarily prohibits lawyers from engaging in conduct involving moral turpitude, fraud, deceit, dishonesty or misrepresentation and from engaging in other action that could improperly prejudice the outcome of a case or legal matter. It also places specific requirements on attorneys regarding fees and employment, confidentiality and conflicts of interest, zealous representation and client funds.
- 2). Complete the complaint form provided on the Office of Disciplinary Counsel's website. It will ask you detailed questions about your case and relationship with your attorney in addition to the ethical complaint you are lodging. Be prepared for questions such as the nature of your fee arrangement with your attorney, the name of the court and case number of any pending litigation and what sort of action or resolution you are seeking in filing your grievance.
- 3). Sign and date the form, and submit it and any copies of supporting evidence to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel at:
250 Civic Center Drive, Suite 325
Columbus, Ohio 43215-7411
If you want to file grievances against more than one attorney, you must use a separate form for each, but the completed forms may be submitted together. - 4). Wait for the Office of Disciplinary Counsel's response to your ethics grievance. It may take the Office up to 90 days to fully review your grievance, but you will be contacted within that time to be notified whether your grievance will be investigated or dismissed, and whether you need to provide further information or documentation. The Office has final say on the outcome of the grievance and there is no appeals process, so be sure you include as much information as you have in order to present a strong case for your grievance.
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