Lawyer Misconduct and Ethics Violations
Like doctors and other licensed professionals, attorneys have a duty to act in an ethical manner in the course of their professional duties. People place trust in their attorneys, often placing their money, their secrets and their interests in the hands of their lawyer.
The Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission handles ethical problems. This governmental agency can bring proceedings that may result in the suspension of the lawyers' license. Rarely will those proceedings result in a client's receipt of money.
My focus is to help clients' get money or other compensation or relief from an attorney who has acted negligently or committed other legal malpractice. My work does not result in the loss of an attorney's license. If you wish to file a Request For Investigation (commonly called a grievance) with the Disciplinary Commission, I can help although you may not need help, especially if you are not planning to take any action for compensation or other damages. Keep in mind, however, that filing a grievance with the Disciplinary Commission probably does not delay the running of the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit for legal malpractice. To contact the Disciplinary Commission, go to its website at www.in.gov/judiciary/discipline.
Ethical violations can simultaneously be civil matters, which I handle, and disciplinary matters, which the Discipline Commission handles. Some examples of potential legal ethics violations that could result in civil claims for damages include:
- Conflicts of interest
- Breach of confidentiality
- Sexual relationships with clients
- Refusal to provide clients with their records
- Theft/misappropriation of client funds
- Unreasonable charges and false billing practices
- Dishonesty to a client, a court, or even an opposing party
If you have been mistreated by an attorney, feel free to contact me. I have been representing people against attorneys throughout Indiana since 1976. If your attorney has committed a legal ethics violation, you can pursue a disciplinary action through the Disciplinary Commission of the Indiana Supreme Court. You may also have the ability to pursue a lawsuit.
Contact My Indianapolis Office
To learn more about your rights and options, call me at my office in Indianapolis, Indiana, at 317-636-0686 or contact me online.
Jon R. Pactor
1 Indiana Square, Ste 2410
Indianapolis, IN 46204