For The Public

How to File a Complaint

• Is Filing a Complaint the Right Option?
• How Do I File A Complaint?
• What Happens after I File My Complaint?

Attorney Complaint Information Brochure PDF (English - Spanish)

Is Filing a Complaint the Right Option?

If you have a problem with your lawyer, first try to talk with him or her. Many times these problems can best be handled outside of the attorney grievance (complaint) system. The State Bar's toll-free Grievance Information Helpline (1-800-932-1900) can help you determine whether to report the conduct of the lawyer and whether other resources might be beneficial. 

If talking to your lawyer does not resolve the problem, call our Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) for help at: 1-800-932-1900.

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How Do I File A Complaint?

The first step in filing a grievance is to complete a grievance form through our online submission system.

Please be sure to send copies of all supporting documents such as letters, pleadings (court documents), emails, etc. Do not send originals. 

If you are reporting the conduct of your current or former lawyer, it is important to know that signing the grievance (complaint) form waives the attorney-client privilege that would otherwise keep discussions between you and your lawyer confidential.  Waiver of this privilege is necessary for the State Bar to review your complaint. 

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Steps for Filing a Grievance

• The first step in filing a grievance is to complete a grievance form through our online submission system.
• Fill out the grievance form completely. Answer every question as best you can.
• Be sure to attach copies (not originals) of any documents that you believe will help explain your grievance.
• Mail your copies of your documents to:

State Bar of Texas
Chief Disciplinary Counsel's Office
P.O. Box 13287
Austin, Texas 78711
Or fax it to (512) 427-4169

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What Happens After I File My Complaint?

Your complaint will be reviewed. If it alleges facts that, if true, would be a violation of the disciplinary rules, it will be classified as a formal complaint. If it does not allege facts that are a violation, it will be classified as an "inquiry" and dismissed. You will be notified of this decision. You may appeal a dismissal to the Board of Disciplinary Appeals, and its decision is final. If you have new or additional information that was not included in your first complaint, you may amend your grievance and re-file it within twenty (20) days of the date you receive the dismissal notice.

If your grievance becomes a formal complaint, the attorney in question will be informed of the complaint and asked to respond within 30 days. The Chief Disciplinary Counsel conducts an investigation to determine whether there is just cause to believe the alleged professional misconduct occurred. Based on its findings, the matter is either presented to a grievance panel for dismissal or proceeds to litigation. Please see the Attorney Complaint Information brochure (pdf) for answers to common questions about the complaint process, (English - Spanish).

The Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel keeps confidential all information concerning any pending complaint(s). However, if the lawyer is found to have committed professional misconduct and receives a public sanction, information about the grievance is no longer confidential. All dismissed grievance files are destroyed by the CDC, in accordance with Rule 2.13 of the Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.

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