Disciplinary Division
Lawyer Regulation
While the Supreme Court of Alabama retains ultimate authority to regulate the legal profession, the Alabama State Bar’s Office of the General Counsel’s Disciplinary Division serves as the Court’s arm to investigate and prosecute claims that a lawyer has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct. The Disciplinary Division does not provide ethics advice.
Alabama lawyers are bound by strict rules of ethics in all professional dealings. The Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct help define a lawyer’s obligations to clients, to the judicial system, to the public, and to the profession. The Alabama Rules of Disciplinary Procedure govern the disciplinary process. And, the Alabama Standards for Imposing Lawyer Discipline are used to determine the appropriate discipline to be applied for violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
- Purpose of Lawyer Discipline Proceedings
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- to protect the public
- to protect the integrity of the legal system
- to ensure the administration of justice
- to deter further unethical conduct
- to rehabilitate the offending lawyer
- to deter unethical behavior by educating other lawyers and the public.
- FAQ - The Office of General Counsel Disciplinary Division
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- Does not provide ethics advice.
- Cannot investigate charges of malpractice or resolve legal issues.
- Does not investigate charges against judges. Allegations of misconduct against Alabama judges should be referred to the Judicial Inquiry Commission (334) 242-4089 or jic@jic.alabama.gov
- Does not investigate charges against lawyers who are not licensed in Alabama unless they are practicing law in Alabama.
- Investigates charges where non-lawyers are alleged to have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. These types of allegations may also be referred to other appropriate agencies for prosecution.
Unauthorized Practice of Law Complaint
Download the Unauthorized Practice of Law Complaint form here.