Problems with your lawyer
How to File a Complaint Against an Attorney
Last updated June 13, 2026
- Identify the licensing authority that admitted the lawyer (the state bar or supreme court).
- Use that authority's official complaint/grievance form — most accept them online or by mail.
- Describe what happened in dates and facts, and attach documents (emails, the fee agreement, court notices).
- Submit it and keep a copy; the authority screens and investigates.
- Understand the limits: discipline sanctions the lawyer but won't refund you or undo your case.
attorneys are currently disbarred or suspended of record across the 41 states we track.
Source: official state bar registration rosters.
Who handles attorney complaints
Lawyers are regulated by the state that licensed them — usually the state bar or the state supreme court's disciplinary arm. That's who investigates grievances and imposes discipline, not the police or a general consumer agency. File with the authority for the state where the lawyer is admitted.
What a complaint can and can't do
Discipline is not compensation
A bar complaint can lead to a reprimand, suspension, or disbarment of the lawyer. It generally does NOT get your money back or reopen your case. For losses, look at fee arbitration or a legal malpractice claim — you can pursue those at the same time.
Make the complaint strong
Stick to facts and dates, and attach proof: the engagement letter, key emails, court notices, and billing statements. Before you file, check the lawyer's disciplinary record — a documented pattern strengthens your complaint and tells you what you're dealing with.
Think your lawyer mishandled your case?
If a lawyer's mistakes cost you money or your case, a legal malpractice or fee-dispute attorney can tell you whether you have a claim. Start by pulling your lawyer's official disciplinary record — it's free.
Frequently asked questions
Does filing a bar complaint cost money?
No. Filing a grievance with a state licensing authority is free. You don't need a lawyer to file one, though one can help on serious matters.
Will a complaint get my money or my case back?
Generally no. Discipline addresses the lawyer's conduct, not your losses. To recover money, look at fee arbitration (billing) or a legal malpractice claim (negligence that caused harm).
Is my complaint confidential?
Confidentiality rules vary by state, and many complaints stay non-public unless they result in formal public discipline. Check the procedures of the authority where you file.
Related guides
- What to Do If You Have a Problem With Your Lawyer
- How to Check If Your Attorney Has Been Disciplined
- Signs Your Attorney Is Committing Malpractice
Numbers on this page are computed from official rosters — see our data sources & methodology. This guide is part of the problems with your lawyer series.
This site republishes official public records and is not legal advice, a lawyer referral service, or a consumer reporting agency. Information here may not be used to make decisions about employment, tenancy, or credit (FCRA). Records are shown as published by their official sources and may contain errors or be out of date; consult the linked official source to verify. To correct or dispute a record, contact the licensing authority of record.