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Ethics & Discipline

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Ethics & Discipline Overview

Georgia lawyers are bound by strict rules of ethics in all of their professional dealings. The Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct help define a lawyer’s obligations to clients, to the judicial system, and to the public.

Although the Supreme Court of Georgia retains ultimate authority to regulate the legal profession, the State Bar of Georgia’s Office of the General Counsel serves as the Court’s administrative arm to investigate and prosecute claims that a lawyer has violated the ethics rules.

The Rules of Professional Conduct are found at Part IV, Chapter 1 of the Bar Rules. Part IV, Chapter 2 contains the procedural rules for disciplinary actions against lawyers. In addition to the Rules, the Bar and the Supreme Court periodically issue Formal Advisory Opinions that clarify a lawyer’s obligations in certain situations. A complete list of Formal Advisory Opinions follows Part IV, Chapter 3 of the Bar Rules.

Lawyers who would like to discuss an ethics dilemma with a member of the Office of the General Counsel staff should contact the Ethics Helpline at 404-527-8741, 800-682-9806 or log in and submit your question by email. Members of the public who believe that a Georgia lawyer has violated the rules of ethics should contact the Bar’s Client Assistance Program at 800-334-6865. 

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File a Complaint

Are you seeking a referral to an attorney?

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ReliaGuide Directory

Do you need help finding a lawyer? Try searching the ReliaGuide directory.

Local and Voluntary Bar Information

Some local and voluntary bar associations can also help with finding a lawyer.

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Is your complaint about a judge or an attorney?

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The Judicial Qualifications Commission is responsible for investigating and prosecuting allegations of judicial misconduct.

Contact the JQC
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Are you currently represented by the attorney?

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Is your issue related to:

  • Lack of communication with the attorney?

  • Request for your file/other documents from the attorney?

  • Status update on your case/matter?

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Have you previously contacted the Client Assistance Program about this issue?

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Is your issue related to fees or a request for a refund?

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Contact the Fee Arbitration Program

404-527-8750

If your complaint involves issues in addition to fees/request for refund and you wish to file a grievance you can access the grievance form HERE.

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Is the attorney you are complaining of currently representing the opposing party in an ongoing lawsuit/litigation?

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The Office of the General Counsel generally does not handle matters while litigation and appeals proceed, as the courts will continue to receive evidence and make rulings. Once litigation and any appeals are complete, if you still have concerns regarding the attorney’s conduct, you can submit your grievance.

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Local and Voluntary Bars

The State Bar of Georgia is not authorized to refer clients to lawyers, but many local and voluntary bar associations offer referrals.

View Local Bar Information