There are various ways that a client can feel dissatisfied with the conduct of his or her lawyer. Lawyers are supposed to act professionally in all their dealings with clients. Here are a few examples of unethical conduct:

• You receive questionable legal bills that your attorney wouldn't give you an explanation for.
• Unethical behavior, like improper sexual advances
• Negligence by your lawyer, which leads you to end up in jail for minor offences.
• Your lawyer refuses to refund the retainer money.

         If any such thing happens with you, contact the Attorney Grievance Office or Lawyer Disciplinary Agency in your state.

         These agencies are often affiliated with the State Bar Associations. They are there especially to listen to client’s grievances. The agencies help you in a number of ways. They have several programs like:

• Fee Arbitration Programs, which resolve fee disputes
• Attorney Grievance problems, which deal with unethical conduct
• Client Security Trust Funds, which deal with cases of lawyers stealing clients’ money.

         These agencies have funds set up for clients who have had their money stolen. You are entitled to reimbursement if this happens.

         Each state has an agency that investigates complaints against lawyers and law firms that practice in their state. If this agency finds it necessary, they will take disciplinary actions on your behalf. These include:

• Issuing reprimands to erring lawyers
• Issuing warnings in case of unethical behavior
• Suspensions and disbarments in cases of serious violations