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Complaints Against Attorneys

The Idaho State Bar is responsible for managing complaints against Idaho attorneys.

If a person believes an attorney has acted unethically, he or she may file a complaint against the attorney with the bar counsel's office of the Idaho State Bar. The bar counsel's office reviews the complaint to determine if the attorney has violated the Idaho Rules of Professional Conduct and disciplinary action needs to be initiated.

The Idaho State Bar is the administrative agency of the judicial branch of the State of Idaho. The membership of the Idaho State Bar consists of all attorneys licensed to practice law in Idaho. The bar counsel is the disciplinary counsel to the Idaho State Bar. A complaint against an attorney must be submitted in writing, unless prior approval is received in special circumstances. Attorney misconduct is any violation of the Idaho State Bar Rules of Professional Conduct, which may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Improper use of trust account money
• Conflict of interest, breach of confidentiality
• Neglect, lack of communication, etc.

When a complaint is received, it is reviewed by the bar counsel to determine if a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct has occurred. The bar counsel informs the complainant that either:

(1) The complaint does not appear to involve unethical conduct;
(2) More information is needed; or
(3) An investigation has been initiated.

For further information, call the Idaho State Bar and Idaho Law Foundation, Inc. at (208) 334-4500, or go to http://www2.state.id.us/isb/bc/discipline.htm.