2006-12-28 13:07:43 · 4 answers · asked by KS Girl 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Last year my in-laws made an appointment for my spouse and I with an Oklahoma attorney. At the conclusion of the appointment we requested that the billing for the appointment be sent to us for payment. We never received a bill. Then in the summer of this year we had another phone conference with the attorney. We have never received billing on either appointments. Over Christmas my father-in-law accused us of refusing to pay the bills and so he paid them for us. I called to find out about this issue and found out that the DETAILED billing was only sent to my in-laws and never to us for payment. Not only did the detailed billing reveal the matters discussed but it was determined that the attorney even discussed the matters with my father-in-law. I believe this constitutes a violation of client confidentiality and wanted to know what I could expect if I filed a complaint with the OK Bar Association. Do complaints at least result in a black mark on the attorney's record?
2006-12-30 05:32:30 · update #1
That would depend on whether he was with a private firm, how big it is, etc. or if he were a district attorney and could sic the law on you. Either way, nothing's likely to happen to the attorney.
2006-12-28 13:17:08 · answer #1 · answered by Mr. Peachy® 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bar Associations regulate the practice of law within their respective states. It is illegal to practice law without a license issued by the Bar, and doing so is a serious offense. The Bar also monitors the professional fitness of its lawyers both before and after they are admitted to the Bar.
If you file a charge alleging serious enough offenses that are supported by sufficient evidence to warrant it, the Bar will begin some kind of formal inquiry into your allegations. Each state association will have different procedures, but in essence, they'll look into it and decide whether or not the complaint you've made is valid. If it is, penalties for the lawyer can range from a fine to being disbarred, i.e. having his license to practice law stripped. If they decide that your allegations are either harmless or unproven, then they'll dismiss it. Depending on the nature of the allegations, the lawyer may elect to initiate legal action against you for defamation or such like.
But as many, many complaints are filed by people that have no idea what they're talking about and no idea what constitutes professional misconduct, most complaints don't amount to anything. There are numerous cases in which complaints have been filed against attorneys who were merely doing their jobs.
2006-12-28 14:02:14 · answer #2 · answered by Ryan D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What is the complaint about? Do you have any proof? Depending on the answers the those very important questions, it could range from the attorney being disbarred (prohibited from practicing law) to you being charged with harassment.
2006-12-28 13:56:18 · answer #3 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First do as Liberals exhibits and then record a grievance with the police. There should be some place of work the position you may get loose suggestion in this be counted. i do not recognize American regulation, yet right here in SA i'd record her to the senior prosecutors place of work only for solid degree
2016-10-16 22:13:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋