How to File a Complaint About a Lawyer in Mississippi

Unethical actions taken by a lawyer in Mississippi can lead to disciplinary action being taken.

Lawyers in Mississippi are charged with abiding by the set of ethics provided for in the rules of professional conduct. If a lawyer is found to have engaged in misconduct in violation of the rules of professional conduct, the lawyer will face disciplinary action from the Mississippi Bar Association. A complaint can be initiated directly from the Mississippi Bar Association website by submitting an email requesting a complaint form. Once the complaint form is completed and submitted to the Mississippi Bar Association, a formal investigation will be conducted, which could eventually lead to a trial before a complaint tribunal.

Instructions

1. Navigate to the Mississippi Bar Association website and and review the complaint procedures materials located under the "Public Resources" menu on the left-hand side of the website. Filing a complaint is a serious matter that could potentially be costly, so review the materials to ensure that a complaint is warranted.

2. Submit an email to the address provided at the top of the complaint page to receive the official complaint form. Complete the form and submit it to the bar association.

3. Submit all of the documents requested by the bar association and be available to appear before the general counsel charged with investigating the matter. If the complaint has merit, it will eventually be passed along to a complaint tribunal which will conduct a hearing. Notice of the final decision regarding the complaint will be provided in writing.

Tips & Warnings

• The filing of a complaint should be used as a last resort and never used in the event of a billing dispute or other matter that could be resolved with a frank talk with the attorney.

• It may be necessary to appear before the tribunal and testify after the submission of a complaint.

References

• Mississippi Bar Association: Complaint Procedure