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How to File a Complaint Against an Attorney
If you wish to file a complaint it must be in writing. It
may be sent via U.S. Mail or
fax to the closest State Bar of Nevada
Office of Bar Counsel address listed at the bottom of this section. You may
also e-mail your complaint to
complaint@nvbar.org.
No special form is necessary to file a complaint. However,
for your convenience, a complaint form has been prepared to assist you
should you with to use it.
An initial e-mail and online complaint
(Note 1/27/10: The online complaint form is
temporarily unavailable) will be accepted. However, all correspondence from the
State Bar will be in writing via US Mail.
If you send attachments with your online submission, you should confirm that
they were received. You may be required to re-send attachments in hard copy
via US Mail.
The Office of Bar Counsel usually completes the initial
review of all complaints within ten business days of receipt.
Your correspondence should contain at least the following
information:
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1 |
Name of the attorney. |
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2 |
A brief description
of the nature of the case the attorney was engaged to handle. |
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3 |
A chronological
review of events, actions, or conversations between you and the named
attorney which led you to conclude that the attorney's actions are
improper. |
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4 |
Copies of letters or
documents which serve as material evidence of the allegations you have
raised against the attorney. |
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5 |
The names, addresses
and phone numbers of those persons who have direct knowledge of the
allegations you have raised. |
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6 |
An acknowledgment of
whether you have attempted to first resolve this matter by contacting
the attorney directly. |
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7 |
Your contact
information: name, address, and telephone number. |
Once we have received your complaint we will review it to
determine if there is an issue under the Rules of Professional Conduct. If
more information is needed you will be notified. If you have raised an issue
under the Rules of Professional Conduct, we will forward a letter to the
attorney and direct him or her to respond to our office in writing within
ten (10) business days with an explanation. Based on the attorney's
response, we will then determine what further investigation might be
necessary.
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.
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 Disciplinary 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 advice on your case, you must obtain the assistance of
your own attorney.
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
complaint@nvbar.org
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