State Bar of Texas | Client Assistance & Grievance






Client/Attorney Assistance
Chief Disciplinary Counsel
81.079 Public Notification
Texas Disciplinary Rules



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Client Assistance & Grievance

About the Grievance Process

All lawyers in Texas have an obligation to maintain a high standard of ethical conduct toward their client and others. To enforce this standard, the State Bar of Texas investigates and prosecutes complaints of professional misconduct against attorneys licensed in Texas, pursuant to the TRDP as promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas.

Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP)
For help in resolving problems between clients and attorneys. Contact CAAP at (800) 932-1900 or (800) 204-2222, ext. 1790. Send letters: Attn: CAAP, PO Box 12487, Austin, Tx 78711-2487.

Fee Dispute
Steps to follow if you have a dispute with an attorney over fees charged. The State Bar has established a Standard Fee Dispute Resolution Procedure that may be used by a bar committee or other organization as a model for a fee dispute resolution program. Click here to view the model rule (pdf).

Filing a Grievance - Questions & Answers - Grievance Form
Questions and answers on filing a formal complaint against an attorney

Grievance Questions and Answers for Attorneys

Grievance Helpline

Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee
This committee, appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas, investigates complaints about persons or entities who may be practicing law without a license.

Attorney Complaint Information Brochure
English version
Spanish version

Adminstration of the Grievance System

Board of Disciplinary Appeals
The Board of Disciplinary Appeals is a statewide independent adjudicatory body of 12 attorneys appointed by the Supreme Court of Texas to hear appeals of certain attorney disciplinary cases.

Client-Attorney Assistance Program - CAAP
CAAP is a statewide dispute resolution program which assists clients and attorneys in resolving minor problems affecting their relationships when the issues do not involve misconduct under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.

Grievance Oversight Committee - Supreme Court of Texas
The Grievance Oversight Committee is a nine-person panel comprised of six attorneys and three members of the public appointed by the Texas Supreme Court. The members of the Committee serve staggered terms on a probono basis. The Committee is charged with the responsibility for reviewing the operation of the attorney-client grievance process and reporting its observations and recommendations to the Court.

Chief Disciplinary Counsel
The Chief Disciplinary Counsel administers the attorney grievance system in accordance with the Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.

Commission for Lawyer Discipline
The Commission for Lawyer Discipline is the client body of the State Bar of Texas' Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel in disciplinary actions, as defined by the TRDP as promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. It also reviews the structure, function, and effectiveness of the disciplinary and disability procedures.

Rules

Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct (PDF)

Texas Rules of Disciplinary Procedure (PDF)

Helpful Links

The Texas Center for Legal Ethics and Professionalism

Codes of Conduct

Codes of Pretrial and Trial Conduct - American College of Trial Lawyers (pdf)

Resources

Attorney-Client Dispute Information

Client Security Fund Brochure

Client Security Fund Newsletter - September 2009

Grievance Hotline