Home

Office of Disciplinary Counsel at Washington State Bar Association

Investigates complaints about unprofessional conduct, such as ethical violations or a lawyer's incapacity, by attorneys in Washington state.   Discipline, if warranted, can take the form of admonition, reprimand, suspension or disbarment.   Does NOT give legal advice to persons filing grievances.   Any loss sustained as a result of an attorney's actions should be pursued through standard legal procedure, not through disciplinary proceedings. If you think your lawyer committed a crime, you should contact your local police department or prosecuting attorney.    Here are some additional matters the disciplinary counsel may not investigate: -  Errors in judgment:   Disagreements about the way a case should be handled, or a mistake. -  Rude behavior:  Conduct that you think is rude or discourteous, or poor customer service. -  Opposing lawyer:  Conduct that has a negative impact on you but does not involve an ethical violation. -  Personal matters:  Disputes with neighbors, creditors, or spouses.

Physical Address

1325 4th Avenue, Suite 600, Seattle, WA 98101

Mailing Address

1325 4TH AVE, SUITE 600, SEATTLE, WA 98101

Hours

M-F, 8am-5pm.

Application process

Call for grievance form and brochure or download information from website.  Grievances and petitions must be in writing or submitted online. Disciplinary counsel reviews the grievance to decide what, if any, action to take.   We will send you information after our initial review within two weeks of filing your grievance.   If we review your grievance and decide to dismiss it, we will tell you why.   If we ask the lawyer to respond to your grievance, generally you will receive a copy of the lawyer’s response and have time to reply.

Fee

None.

Eligibility

Anyone with a professional complaint or grievance against a Washington state attorney.

Agency info

Washington State Bar Association

Regulates lawyers under the authority of the Washington State Supreme Court. Provides record-keeping and licensing functions and investigates complaints about unprofessional conduct by member attorneys. Discipline can take the form of admonition, reprimand, suspension or disbarment. Connects people between 200-400% of the federal poverty level to lawyers who offer help with family, housing and consumer legal issues at reduced fees.