How to File a Complaint Against an Attorney

If you wish to file a complaint, it must be sent by letter  via U.S. Mail or fax (e-mail not accepted) to the closest State Bar address listed at the bottom of this section.  Your letter should contain at least the following information:

  1. A brief description of the nature of the case the attorney was engaged to handle and which attorney you are complaining of.
  2. A chronological review of those events, actions, or conversations between you and the named attorney which led you to conclude that the attorney has conducted himself improperly.
  3. Copies of letters or documents which serve as material evidence of the allegations you have raised against the attorney.
  4. The names, addresses and phone numbers of those persons who have direct knowledge of the allegations you have raised.
  5. A brief description of why you believe the attorney's actions are improper.
  6. An acknowledgment of whether you have attempted to first resolve this matter by contacting the attorney directly.

Once we have received your letter we will review it to determine whether, taking all the asserted facts as true, you have raised an issue under the Rules of Professional Conduct. If more information is needed we shall so notify you. If you have raised an issue under the Rules of Professional Conduct, we will forward a letter to the attorney and direct him to respond to our office in writing within ten (l0) days with an explanation. Based on the attorney's response, we will then determine what further investigation might be necessary. If an attorney is found to have violated the Rules, an appropriate sanction will be applied in order to avoid misconduct from occurring again.

If it is determined that your complaint is basically a fee dispute, we will forward the forms which are utilized for the filing of a complaint with the Fee Dispute Arbitration Committee. If the Committee, after making its determination, finds that this matter should be further explored by the Disciplinary Board, it will then be reviewed by this office for ethics violations.

The investigation and review process can take as little as one month or as long as six months or more. You will be kept informed of the status of the matter as it progresses. You should recognize, however, that the Board cannot and does not give legal advice, does not have jurisdiction over damage or malpractice claims against attorneys and cannot alter or affect in any way the outcome of private legal matters in court. If you need additional work or advice on your case, you must obtain the assistance of your own private attorney. The investigation and review process, and the findings of the Board, are kept confidential and cannot be used in any other proceeding unless the matter becomes public under Supreme Court rules.

In Southern Nevada please contact: 

State Bar of Nevada Office of Bar Counsel

600 E Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89104

TEL (702) 382-2200 or (800) 254-2797 FAX (702) 382-8747

 

In Northern Nevada please contact: 

 

State Bar of Nevada Office of Bar Counsel

9456 Double R Blvd. Suite B, Reno, NV 89521

 TEL (775) 329-4100 FAX (775) 329-0522

 

 

State Bar of Nevada

600 E. Charleston Blvd

Las Vegas, NV  89104
702-382-2200

marcm@nvbar.org
Copyright © 2006 State Bar of Nevada

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