What to Expect
and What Not to Expect

What You Can Expect

• A prompt reply from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) acknowledging receipt of your complaint.
  

• A fair and impartial investigation. This means listening not only to your side of the story, but to the lawyer’s side as well. It also means that whatever independent investigation may be necessary in order to establish the facts will be conducted.
  

• As speedy a disposition as is possible of your complaint. Depending on the complexity of the matter, this can take from a month to a year or longer.

• To be notified of the final outcome of your complaint.
  

• An appeal right if you disagree with the dismissal of your complaint.

The Disciplinary Board and the ODC will be genuinely concerned with your complaint. Each complaint is fully, and carefully weighed. The presence of non-lawyers on the Disciplinary Board and hearing committees ensures that the lawyer discipline system protects the interests of the community as a whole.

What You Should Not Expect

• Assistance from the Disciplinary Board or the ODC concerning your legal matter.
  

• The Disciplinary Board or the ODC to order an attorney to take action or to refrain from taking action. Neither body has the authority to make such an order.
  

• The ODC to give legal advice to any person or to refer a person to a new lawyer. The disciplinary system acts only to enforce the Rules of Professional Conduct upon lawyers.
  

• Reimbursement or other monetary compensation through the lawyer discipline process.