When considering filing a complaint against an attorney in California, there are several essential things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to determine the appropriate authority to receive the complaint. The State Bar of California's Office of Chief Trial Counsel handles complaints about unethical attorney conduct. This office receives complaints from various sources, including clients, family and friends of clients, courts, opposing counsel, members of the public, and anonymous submissions.
Secondly, when submitting a complaint, it is crucial to provide detailed information about the attorney's conduct that may warrant disciplinary action. The complaint form requests information about the person submitting the complaint, the attorney being complained about, and the actions or omissions that are of concern. Complaints can be filed online or by printing and mailing the completed Complaint Form to the State Bar's Intake Department. It is important to note that complaints should be filed as soon as possible, as delays may affect the outcome of the complaint. The State Bar of California received over 12,000 complaints in 2020, so it is essential to provide as much detail as possible to support the complaint. If the complaint alleges criminal conduct, it should be referred to the district attorney in the county where the alleged crime occurred.