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Office of Disciplinary Counsel offered at Washington State Bar Association

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

Office located in downtown Seattle between Union St & University St. Call King County Metro at (206) 553-3000 or visit http://tripplanner.kingcounty.gov/ for public transit information.
Eligibility
Anyone with a professional complaint or grievance against a Washington state attorney.
Hours
8:30am to 4:30pm from Monday through Friday
(800) 945-9722
Voice·

(800) 945-WSBA

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.
Fees
None.
Service area
WA
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.
Data provided by
Washington 211
Providing organization
Washington State Bar Association
Regulates lawyers under the authority of the Washington State Supreme Court.