Filing a Grievance Against a Texas Attorney
Do you feel you have an issue with your Texas attorney and seeking advice about filing a grievance against a Texas Attorney?
1. Consider Alternatives First
Before filing, explore these quicker, less formal options:
- Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP)
Helps resolve issues like lack of communication or missing files. Try this before filing a formal grievance. texasbar.com+6legalmalpracticelawyer.com+6texasbar.com+6 - Texas Law Help & Ombudsman Services
For questions, informal guidance, or help with disputed cases, the Texas Supreme Court has setup an ombudsman (a neutral representative). You can read about the ombudsman services here.
2. Is a Grievance Appropriate?
You can file if you believe the attorney:
- Violated Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct
- Engaged in misconduct like dishonesty, neglect, conflict of interest, misappropriation of funds, etc. texasbar.com+3texasbar.com+3texaslawhelp.org+3youtube.comtexasbar.com+3texasbar.com+3texasbar.com+3
Note: Grievances don’t resolve:
- Fee disputes (unless there’s misappropriation)
- Legal malpractice damages (pursue via civil lawsuit instead)
3. How to File a Grievance
A. Online Submission (Preferred)
- Use the State Bar’s current grievance form (effective September 1, 2023)
- Submit via the official portal: Texas Bar Online Grievance System legalmalpracticelawyer.com+3texasbar.com+3co.houston.tx.us+3
B. Mail or Fax
- Download the PDF grievance form (English / Español) from the same portal
- Send to:
➤ Important: Fill all questions fully. Use “N/A” or “I don’t know”—no blanks allowed. Incomplete or outdated forms are rejected. texasbar.com+1legalmalpracticelawyer.com+1
State Bar of Texas
Chief Disciplinary Counsel’s Office
P.O. Box 13287
Austin, Texas 78711
Fax: (512) 427-4315
4. What Happens After You File?
A. Classification (within 30 days)
- The Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel (CDC) will classify your grievance as:
- Inquiry: No disciplinary rule is alleged → Dismissed (can appeal)
- Complaint: If alleged misconduct → Sent to attorney with 30-day response texasbar.com+5texasbar.com+5texasbar.com+5
- Discretionary Referral: Referred to CAAP for resolution before possibly becoming a complaint texasbar.com+12texasbar.com+12texasbar.com+12
B. CDC Investigation & Just Cause (within 60 days)
- If Complaint, CDC investigates, may hold hearings, subpoena records, and interview witnesses texasbar.com+1texasbar.com+1
- If no just cause, a Summary Disposition Panel (local grievance committee) may dismiss it legalmalpracticelawyer.com+5texasbar.com+5texasbar.com+5
C. Proceeding Forward
If just cause is found:
- CDC and attorney may negotiate resolution via Investigatory Panel
- If unresolved, either:
- Refer to a Summary Disposition Panel
- Attorney may elect a district court trial or go before an Evidentiary Panel texasbar.com+1texasbar.com+1
5. Your Rights & Next Steps
- You can appeal an Inquiry dismissal to the Board of Disciplinary Appeals within 30 days texasbar.com+2texasbar.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2.
- Both you and the attorney may have counsel in hearings .
- Process is confidential unless serious discipline results—then final decision may become public .
- Time limits: Generally four years from misconduct, with exceptions for fraud-related cases adreview.texasbar.com+8guides.sll.texas.gov+8texasbar.com+8.
6. Resources & Forms
| Purpose | Link | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online Grievance Portal | sbotservices.texasbar.com | Required for electronic submission |
| PDF Grievance Form (English/Spanish) | Accessible via same portal | Must be current (as of Sept 2023) |
| CAAP Info | Call 1‑800‑932‑1900 | Alternative resolution path en.wikipedia.org+14legalmalpracticelawyer.com+14texasbar.com+14texasbar.com |
| Rules & Procedures | Texas Disciplinary Rules (PDF) | Covers Rules Part II & VII etc. |
| Ombudsman | Texas Bar Ombudsman Office | Helpful for procedural questions |
✅ Summary Checklist
You have the right to appeal and stay informed.
- Think about using CAAP first.
- Confirm the conduct likely violates disciplinary rules.
- Complete the current grievance form fully.
- Submit online (preferred) or by mail/fax.
- Track your grievance:
- Classification within 30 days
- Attorney’s response + CDC investigation
- Possible dismissal, referral, or formal hearing
- You have the right to appeal and stay informed.