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Working with your lawyer

What to do if you have a problem with your lawyer

From a frank conversation to fee arbitration, a disciplinary complaint, a client protection fund or a malpractice claim: the options and when each fits. 4 min read

Most problems between clients and lawyers come from poor communication or surprises about fees, and can be fixed by talking. Serious misconduct is less common, but every state has a process for it.

1. Raise it directly

Write to your lawyer, briefly and specifically: what the problem is and what you want (an update, an explanation of a bill, a meeting). If the lawyer works at a firm, you can also contact a supervising partner. Keep copies.

2. Fee disputes: arbitration or mediation

If you disagree about a bill, many state and local bar associations run fee dispute programs, usually free or low-cost and faster than court. In some states the lawyer must tell you about the program before suing you for fees.

3. Changing lawyers

You can generally end the relationship at any time. You may owe fees for work done, and if a case is pending the new lawyer will need to be substituted in court. Your lawyer must return your file and any unearned part of an advance payment. Ask your new lawyer to request the file for you.

4. Disciplinary complaints

Each state has an agency, often part of the state supreme court or state bar, that investigates ethics complaints against lawyers. Typical grounds include not communicating, neglecting a case, mishandling client money, conflicts of interest and dishonesty. The process usually works like this:

  1. You file a written complaint, often online, with documents.
  2. The agency reviews it and may ask the lawyer to respond.
  3. If there is evidence of misconduct, the matter can proceed to a hearing.
  4. Sanctions range from private admonition to public reprimand, suspension or disbarment.

A disciplinary complaint does not usually get you money back or change the outcome of your case. Its purpose is to protect the public.

5. Client protection funds

If a lawyer stole money from you, such as settlement funds or an advance payment, most states have a client protection fund, financed by lawyers, that can reimburse some or all of the loss. Claims usually require that the lawyer was disciplined or the theft is otherwise shown.

6. Legal malpractice

If a lawyer's mistake cost you money, for example by missing a filing deadline, you may have a malpractice claim. These are civil lawsuits handled by lawyers who focus on malpractice, and they have their own deadlines, so act promptly.

Where to find the forms

Search for your state's name plus "attorney discipline complaint" and use the official state court or bar site. The same office usually runs the official attorney lookup.

Related guides

This guide is general information, not legal advice, and laws differ from state to state. For advice about your situation, talk to a lawyer licensed in your state. Last reviewed November 4, 2026.