Attorney Complaints

Forms

Link to the Complaint Cover Sheet and Guidelines for Filing a Grievance, from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for the State of Montana.

Overview

Montana lawyers are subject to various laws and rules governing their conduct, including the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct. The Montana Supreme Court governs attorney licensing, regulation and discipline. The Court meets these responsibilities, in part, through a regulatory system comprised of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) and the Commission on Practice (COP).

The ODC is appointed by and operates under the direct supervision of the Montana Supreme Court. Its roles include intake and process, and investigation and prosecution of complaints against attorneys that are within the Court’s jurisdiction.

The ODC’s investigative authority includes matters of: possible attorney misconduct; possible attorney disability; attorney disciplinary and disability proceedings; escrow account overdraft notifications; and petitions for reinstatement.

The Montana Supreme Court appoints nine lawyers and five non-lawyers to serve on the COP, which hears and decides complaints against attorneys. In some cases, the COP makes recommendations to the Court for discipline.

Learn more about the ODC and COP from the Office of Disciplinary Counsel for the State of Montana website.

For concerns about non-attorneys and unauthorized practice of law (UPL), find information from the State Bar of Montana and the Montana Office of Consumer Protection.

Resources