The Texas Grievance Form is a formal document used to file complaints against attorneys in Texas. This form serves as a mechanism for individuals to express their concerns regarding an attorney's conduct or performance. If you believe an attorney has acted improperly, consider filling out the grievance form by clicking the button below.
The Texas Grievance Form is an essential tool for individuals who wish to address concerns about the conduct of an attorney in Texas. This form is designed to facilitate the grievance process, allowing clients to formally report issues such as inadequate communication, lack of progress on their case, or difficulties in retrieving documents from a former attorney. Before proceeding with the grievance, individuals are encouraged to explore alternative resolutions through the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP), which aims to resolve disputes quickly and informally. The form itself requires detailed information about both the complainant and the attorney in question, including names, contact information, and specifics regarding the grievance. It also prompts individuals to provide context about their relationship with the attorney and any previous grievances filed. Completing the form accurately is crucial, as incomplete submissions can delay the process. Moreover, it’s important to note that grievances must be directed at specific attorneys rather than law firms, and each attorney requires a separate grievance form. By utilizing this structured approach, the Texas Grievance Form helps ensure that complaints are addressed systematically and fairly.
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL
STATE BAR OF TEXAS
GRIEVANCE FORM
ONLINE FILING AVAILABLE AT http://cdc.texasbar.com.
I.GENERAL INFORMATION
Before you fill out this paperwork, there may be a faster way to resolve the issue you are currently having with an attorney.
If you are considering filing a grievance against a Texas attorney for any of the following reasons:
~You are concerned about the progress of your case.
~Communication with your attorney is difficult.
~Your case is over or you have fired your attorney and you need documents from your file or your former attorney.
You may want to consider contacting the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) at 1-800-932-1900.
CAAP was established by the State Bar of Texas to help people resolve these kinds of issues with attorneys quickly, without the filing of a formal grievance.
CAAP can resolve many problems without a grievance being filed by providing information, by suggesting various self-help options for dealing with the situation, or by contacting the attorney either by telephone or letter.
I have ______ I have not ______ contacted the Client-Attorney Assistance Program.
If you prefer, you have the option to file your grievance online at http://cdc.texasbar.com.
In order for us to comply with our deadlines, additional information/documentation that you would like to include as part of your grievance submission must be received in this office by mail or fax within (10) days after submission of your grievance. Please limit your additional information to 25 pages. Information, including audio, video or image files, submitted on a USB thumb drive or flash drive must not exceed 25MB. Information received after the 10 day deadline will be returned and not considered, as well as information submitted on CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes or other unsupported media. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
NOTE: Please be sure to fill out each section completely. Do not leave any section blank. If you do not know the answer to any question, write “I don’t know.”
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II.INFORMATION ABOUT YOU -- PLEASE KEEP CURRENT
Mr.
1.
TDCJ/SID #
Ms.
Name:
_____________________________________
Immigration # _______________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
City: ____________________
State: _________________ Zip Code: ______________
2.Employer:___________________________________________________________________
Employer’s Address:__________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3.Telephone numbers: Residence: ____________________ Work: _____________________
Cell: _________________
4.Email:______________________________________________________________________
5.Drivers License # _____________________ Date of Birth __________________
6.Name, address, and telephone number of person who can always reach you in the event that the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel needs to locate you. *Please note that confidentiality is not waived and this individual does not have the authority to contact the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel in order to obtain information about this grievance.
Name _______________________________ Address _______________________________
______________________________ Telephone ___________________________________
7.Do you understand and write in the English language? ______________________
If no, what is your primary language? ___________
Who helped you prepare this form? _____________________________________
Will they be available to translate future correspondence during this process? _________
8.Are you a Judge? _____________________
If yes, please provide Court, County, City, State: ____________________________________
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III.INFORMATION ABOUT ATTORNEY
Note: Grievances are not accepted against law firms. You must specifically name the attorney against whom you are complaining. A separate grievance form must be completed for each attorney against whom you are complaining.
1.Attorney name: _____________________________ Address: ____________________
City: ______________________ State:_____________ Zip Code:_________________
2. Telephone number: Work _____________ Home ________________ Other _____________
3.Have you or a member of your family filed a grievance about this attorney previously?
Yes ___ No ___ If “yes”, please state its approximate date and outcome. ____________
______________________________________________________________________________
Have you or a member of your family ever filed an appeal with the Board of Disciplinary Appeals about this attorney?
Yes ____ No ___ If “yes,” please state its approximate date and outcome.
________________________________________________________________________
4.Please check one of the following:
________
This attorney was hired to represent me.
This attorney was appointed to represent me.
This attorney was hired to represent someone else.
If you hired the attorney, tell us how you met the attorney. Specifically, please provide details about how you came to know and hire this attorney.___________________________________
Please give the date the attorney was hired or appointed. __________________________
Please state what the attorney was hired or appointed to do.________________________
5.What was your fee arrangement with the attorney? ____________________________________
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How much did you pay the attorney? ______________________________________________
If you signed a contract and have a copy, please attach.
If you have copies of checks and/or receipts, please attach.
Do not send originals.
6.If you did not hire the attorney, what is your connection with the attorney? Explain briefly
7.Are you currently represented by an attorney? ____________________
If yes, please provide information about your current attorney: ___________________________
8.Do you claim the attorney has an impairment, such as depression or a substance use disorder? If yes, please provide specifics (your personal observations of the attorney such as slurred speech, odor of alcohol, ingestion of alcohol or drugs in your presence etc., including the date you observed this, the time of day, and location).
9.Did the attorney ever make any statements or admissions to you or in your presence that would indicate that the attorney may be experiencing an impairment, such as depression or a substance use disorder? If so, please provide details.
IV. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR GRIEVANCE
1.Where did the activity you are complaining about occur?
County: _________________ City: ________________
2.If your grievance is about a lawsuit, answer the following, if known:
a. Name of court ________________________________________________________
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b.Title of the suit ________________________________________________________
c.Case number and date suit was filed _______________________________________
d.If you are not a party to this suit, what is your connection with it? Explain briefly.
______________________________________________________________________
If you have copies of court documents, please attach.
3.Explain in detail why you think this attorney has done something improper or has failed to do something which should have been done. Attach additional sheets of paper if necessary.
Supporting documents, such as copies of a retainer agreement, proof of payment, correspondence between you and your attorney, the case name and number if a specific case is involved, and copies of papers filed in connection with the case, may be useful to our investigation. Do not send originals, as they will not be returned. Additionally, please do not use staples, post-it notes, or binding. Please limit your supporting documentation to 25 pages. Information, including audio, video or image files, submitted on a USB thumb drive or flash drive must not exceed 25MB. Information received after the 10 day deadline will be returned and not considered, as well as information submitted on CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes or other unsupported media.
Include the names, addresses, and telephone number of all persons who know something about your grievance.
Please be advised that a copy of your grievance will be forwarded to the attorney named in your grievance. To protect your privacy and the privacy of others, please redact personal identifying information (i.e., social security number, date of birth) from any document you provide in support of your grievance and avoid submitting medical records or protected health information belonging to third- parties. Please be advised that in the event that you do provide records that contain your own personal identifying information or protected health information, you are authorizing us to share this information with the attorney named in your grievance. Be advised that documents that contain unredacted third party personal identifying information or that individual’s protected health information will be returned and not considered. By executing the grievance below, you authorize the CDC to disclose your personal identifying information and protected health information as necessary to comply with the law, or as necessary to carry out the function and duties of the CDC.
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V.HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS’ ATTORNEY GRIEVANCE PROCESS?
__
Yellow Pages
CAAP
Internet
Attorney
Other
Website
VI. ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE WAIVER
I hereby expressly waive any attorney-client privilege as to the attorney, the subject of this Grievance, and authorize such attorney to reveal any information in the professional relationship to the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel of the State Bar of Texas. I understand that it may be necessary to act promptly to preserve any legal rights I may have, and that commencement of a civil action may be required to preserve those rights.
Additionally, I understand that the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel may exercise its discretion and refer this Grievance to the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) of the State Bar of Texas for assistance in resolving a subject matter of this Grievance. In that regard, I hereby acknowledge my understanding that such discretionary referral does not constitute the commencement of a civil action and that the State Bar of Texas will not commence any civil action on my part. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to seek and obtain any necessary legal advice with respect to this matter. I also understand that any information I provide to the State Bar of Texas may be used to assist me and will remain confidential for purposes of resolving the issue(s) described above.
I understand that the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel maintains as confidential the processing of Grievances.
I hereby swear and affirm that I am the person named in Section II, Question 1 of this form (the Complainant) and that the information provided in this Grievance is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.
Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________________
TO ENSURE PROMPT ATTENTION, THE GRIEVANCE SHOULD BE MAILED TO:
THE OFFICE OF CHIEF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL
P.O. Box 13287
Austin, TX 78711
Fax: (512) 427-4169
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After completing the Texas Grievance form, you will submit it to the Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel of the State Bar of Texas. It is essential to ensure that all sections are filled out accurately and completely. Incomplete forms may delay the processing of your grievance.
The Texas Grievance Form is a document used to file a complaint against a Texas attorney. It is designed to address issues such as poor communication, lack of progress on a case, or difficulties in obtaining documents from a former attorney. This form allows individuals to formally report their concerns to the State Bar of Texas.
Before filing a grievance, consider reaching out to the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) at 1-800-932-1900. CAAP can help resolve issues quickly by providing information and suggesting self-help options. They may also contact the attorney on your behalf, which can sometimes lead to a resolution without the need for a formal grievance.
Yes, you can file your grievance online at http://cdc.texasbar.com . This option allows for a more convenient submission of your complaint. Ensure that you complete all sections of the form accurately.
You will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, contact numbers, and email. Additionally, you should include details about your employer and a contact person who can always reach you. If you require language assistance, please indicate your primary language and who helped you prepare the form.
When filling out the grievance form, you must provide the attorney's name, address, and contact information. It is important to specify whether you hired the attorney, if they were appointed, or if they represented someone else. If applicable, include any previous grievances or appeals filed against the attorney.
In the grievance description, explain in detail why you believe the attorney has acted improperly or failed to perform their duties. Attach any relevant documents, such as letters or court documents. Be sure to include the names and contact information of individuals who can support your claims.
Once your grievance is submitted, a copy will be forwarded to the attorney named in your complaint. The State Bar will review the grievance and may contact you for further information. Be prepared for the possibility that the process may take some time.
No, there is no fee associated with filing a grievance against an attorney in Texas. The process is designed to be accessible to all individuals who have concerns about their attorney's conduct.
You can inquire about the status of your grievance by contacting the State Bar of Texas directly. They can provide updates and any necessary information regarding the progress of your complaint.
Leaving Sections Blank: One common mistake is failing to fill out every section of the grievance form. Each part is crucial for the review process. If unsure about an answer, simply write “I don’t know” instead of leaving it blank.
Not Providing Complete Contact Information: It’s essential to include accurate and complete contact details. This includes your name, address, phone numbers, and email. Incomplete information can delay communication.
Failing to Specify the Attorney: Grievances must be directed at a specific attorney, not a law firm. Ensure you include the attorney's full name and address. Each attorney requires a separate grievance form.
Neglecting to Attach Relevant Documents: If there are contracts, receipts, or other relevant documents, they should be attached. Remember, do not send originals, as they will not be returned.
Overlooking the Importance of Details: When explaining your grievance, provide as much detail as possible. Include dates, specific incidents, and observations. This information helps the review process significantly.
When filing a grievance against an attorney in Texas, several other forms and documents may be required or helpful in supporting your case. Understanding these documents can streamline the process and ensure you provide all necessary information. Below is a list of common forms and documents often used alongside the Texas Grievance form.
Being prepared with these documents can significantly enhance your grievance process. Each form serves a specific purpose and can provide the necessary context to your complaint. Always ensure that you provide complete and accurate information to facilitate a thorough investigation by the State Bar of Texas.
The Texas Grievance Form shares similarities with the Complaint Form used in various consumer protection agencies. Both documents serve as a means for individuals to express dissatisfaction with a service provider. In both cases, the complainant must provide detailed information about their experience and the nature of their complaint. Each form typically requires contact information and specifics about the service provided, allowing the agency to investigate the claims effectively.
Another document akin to the Texas Grievance Form is the Legal Malpractice Complaint Form. This form is specifically designed for clients who believe their attorney has failed to perform competently. Similar to the grievance form, it requires the client to outline the issues they faced, including any damages incurred due to the alleged malpractice. Both forms emphasize the need for clear and concise descriptions of the events leading to the complaint.
The Client Complaint Form used by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also comparable. This form allows consumers to report unsatisfactory experiences with businesses, including legal services. Like the Texas Grievance Form, it collects essential information about the consumer, the business involved, and the nature of the complaint. Both forms aim to facilitate resolution and improve service standards.
Additionally, the Attorney Complaint Form from the American Bar Association (ABA) shares a similar purpose. It allows individuals to report grievances against attorneys at a national level. Both forms require detailed information about the attorney's conduct and the complainant's experience. They serve to uphold ethical standards within the legal profession.
The Professional Responsibility Complaint Form, used by state bar associations across the country, resembles the Texas Grievance Form in its structure and intent. This form allows individuals to report unethical behavior by attorneys. Both documents require the submission of personal information and a detailed account of the alleged misconduct, ensuring that the respective authorities can investigate appropriately.
The Ethics Complaint Form utilized by various professional licensing boards also bears similarities. These forms allow individuals to report unethical practices in licensed professions, including law. Like the Texas Grievance Form, they collect comprehensive details about the complainant, the professional in question, and the specific ethical concerns raised.
The Medical Board Complaint Form is another document that aligns with the Texas Grievance Form. Patients can use this form to report grievances against healthcare providers. Both forms require detailed accounts of the issues experienced and the impact on the complainant. They aim to protect consumers and ensure accountability within their respective professions.
Moreover, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Complaint Form serves a similar function in the financial sector. Investors can report issues with brokers or financial advisors through this form. Both the FINRA form and the Texas Grievance Form require detailed narratives of the complainant's experience, ensuring that the appropriate regulatory body can take action if necessary.
Lastly, the Workplace Harassment Complaint Form is comparable, as it allows employees to report grievances related to harassment in the workplace. Both forms require detailed descriptions of the incidents and the parties involved. They aim to provide a structured process for addressing serious concerns in professional environments.
When filling out the Texas Grievance form, it is essential to follow certain guidelines to ensure the process runs smoothly. Below is a list of actions you should and should not take.
Misconceptions about the Texas Grievance form can lead to confusion and hinder the process of addressing legitimate concerns. Here are seven common misconceptions:
Understanding these misconceptions can help individuals navigate the grievance process more effectively. Take the time to clarify any uncertainties before proceeding.
Filing a grievance against an attorney in Texas can be a significant step. Here are some key takeaways to keep in mind when using the Texas Grievance form:
By following these guidelines, you can navigate the grievance process more effectively and ensure your concerns are heard.