Filing a Complaint

Filing a complaint against an attorney is a serious matter. Do so only as a last resort when all efforts to work out the problem with your attorney have failed.

1. Download a version of the complaint form from the list below.
   • English (two–page, 26.85 KB pdf)
   • Spanish (two–page, 42.21 KB pdf)
   • Chinese (two–page, 141.61 KB pdf)
   • Italian (two–page, 41.66 KB pdf)
   • Korean (two–page, 123.35 KB pdf)
   • Vietnamese (two–page, 41.05 KB pdf)
2. Complete and/or print the form.
3. Mail to:
   
   Office of Bar Counsel
   Board on Professional Responsibility
   District of Columbia Court of Appeals
   515 Fifth Street NW
   Building A, Suite 117
   Washington, DC 20001

or, for incarcerated complainants:

1. Download a version of the incarcerated complaint form from the list below.
   • English (two–page, 27.63 KB pdf)
   • Spanish (two–page, 43.05 KB pdf)
   • Chinese (two–page, 142.38 KB pdf)
   • Italian (two–page, 43.06 KB pdf)
   • Korean (two–page, 121.84 KB pdf)
   • Vietnamese (two–page, 41.47 KB pdf)
2. Complete and/or print the form.
3. Mail to:
   
   Office of Bar Counsel
   Board on Professional Responsibility
   District of Columbia Court of Appeals
   515 Fifth Street NW
   Building A, Suite 117
   Washington, DC 20001

Alternatively, you may write your own statement in lieu of filing a complaint form. To do so:

1. Write your own statement.
2. Your statement should include your name and address, your attorney's name and address, and an explanation of the circumstances and details of your complaint.
3. Mail completed written statement to:
   
   Office of Bar Counsel
   Board on Professional Responsibility
   District of Columbia Court of Appeals
   515 Fifth Street NW
   Building A, Suite 117
   Washington, DC 20001

Supporting documents, such as copies of a retainer agreement, proof of payment, correspondence between you and your attorney, the case name and number if a specific case is involved, and copies of papers filed in connection with the case, may be of assistance to our investigation.