If you're not happy with your lawyer, you may be able to resolve the problem without submitting a complaint with the North Carolina State Bar. The State Bar offers programs to assist you.
If you are considering submitting a complaint against a lawyer, it's important to know what types of conduct the State Bar does and does not investigate. The State Bar can only address violations of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, which are the ethical rules applicable to lawyers in North Carolina.
Once you have decided that you want to submit a complaint to the North Carolina State Bar, it is easy to get started. Just fill out a State Bar complaint form describing the problem. You can start the process by submitting a form, either in English or in Spanish, or calling our office at 919-828-4620 and requesting an attorney complaint form.
Be sure to tell us who you are complaining about and what the respondent did that you think is wrong. Include your name and contact information. You don't need to research legal issues or try to figure out what ethical rule the respondent may have violated.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
Be specific. It is more helpful to say "my lawyer didn't tell me when my court date was" than "my lawyer violated my rights."
Include documents or evidence that explain or support your complaint, but do not send your only copy of valuable items.
Be complete. Your complaint should describe all of your problems with the lawyer. Let us know if there is any reason you can't include all of your concerns in your initial complaint.
Identify witnesses and give their contact information. If possible, outline what you think the witnesses will say.
You can request information about the status of a complaint you submitted or a grievance that was opened based on your complaint at grievancestatus@ncbar.gov. Please understand, however, that State Bar staff may only be able to tell you that the matter is still under review. When the complaint or grievance has been addressed, you will be notified in writing of the resolution.
Once you submit a complaint against a lawyer, you cannot withdraw it. The North Carolina State Bar has a duty to the public to complete its investigation. However, if you contact grievancestatus@ncbar.gov to explain why you want to withdraw your complaint, that information will be considered when making a decision.
The North Carolina State Bar has recently launched a redesigned website to improve accessibility and navigation. If you experience any broken links or access errors, you may submit website feedback at: webmaster@ncbar.gov
