How to Complain About a Lawyer in Vermont

You can complain about a lawyer in Vermont through the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.

The Vermont Judicial Branch responds to complaints about lawyers through its Office of Disciplinary Counsel Professional Responsibility Program. You'll need to submit a list of your grievances against the attorney along with supporting evidence. The program accepts letters in any format, but requests legibility and completeness with regard to facts. Counsel employed by the Professional Responsibility Board screens complaints. The complaint may be forwarded to an assistance panel, which pursues non-disciplinary resolution, it may be forwarded for investigation to the Disciplinary Counsel, or it may be dismissed. If a formal hearing is held, a complainant may be called in to testify.

Instructions

1. In your letter, address Office of Disciplinary Counsel Professional Responsibility Program in Vermont. Include your name, address and phone number.

2. Explain your complaint against the attorney, being as specific as possible.

3. Attach copies of supporting evidence, which may include letters, documents and other materials.

4. Send your letter to:

   Office of Disciplinary Counsel

   Professional Responsibility Program

   32 Cherry Street, Suite 213

   Burlington, VT 05401-7305

Tips & Warnings

• The Office of Disciplinary Counsel notes in its information regarding complaints that complainants should not expect status updates, monetary damages or legal advice.

References

• State of Vermont Professional Responsibility Program

Resources

• Vermont Judiciary