ReportAttorney Grievance

File a Grievance Against an Attorney

In New York, attorney discipline complaints are handled by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court. The state is divided into four Judicial Departments, each with its own grievance committee. Select your department below to get the correct filing information.

Find Your Department by County

Not sure which department? Enter the county where the attorney practices or where the misconduct occurred.

Four Judicial Departments

First Judicial Department

1st Dept

Attorney Grievance Committee

Counties: New York (Manhattan), Bronx

Second Judicial Department

2nd Dept

Grievance Committee

Counties: Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Richmond (Staten Island), Dutchess, Nassau, Orange + 4 more

Third Judicial Department

3rd Dept

Committee on Professional Standards

Counties: Albany, Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia + 22 more

Fourth Judicial Department

4th Dept

Attorney Grievance Committee

Counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee + 16 more

What to Expect After Filing

1

Acknowledgment

The grievance committee will acknowledge receipt of your complaint, usually within a few weeks.

2

Initial Review

Staff attorneys review the complaint to determine if it alleges conduct that, if true, would constitute a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct.

3

Investigation

If warranted, the committee investigates by contacting the attorney, reviewing documents, and interviewing witnesses.

4

Determination

The committee may dismiss the complaint, issue a letter of caution or admonition, or refer the matter for formal disciplinary proceedings.

5

Formal Proceedings (if applicable)

In serious cases, formal charges are brought and a hearing is held. Possible sanctions range from censure to disbarment.

Common Grounds for Attorney Grievance

Neglect of client matters or failure to communicate

Misappropriation or mishandling of client funds

Conflict of interest

Incompetent representation

Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation

Failure to return client files

Excessive or unreasonable fees

Criminal conduct related to legal practice

Note: Fee disputes and malpractice claims may be better addressed through other channels. The grievance process addresses ethical violations, not disagreements about legal strategy.

This page provides general guidance on filing attorney grievances in New York State. It is not legal advice.

Attorney discipline is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct (22 NYCRR Part 1200) and Judiciary Law § 90.