Filing a Bar complaint in the State of Missouri

 You hired an attorney, and you believe that during the course of their representation, they committed an act that violates the Rules of Professional Conduct. Filing a Bar Complaint is the official way to seek an investigation into that alleged misconduct by the attorney.

What You Will Find on This Page

To help you through this process, we have compiled key resources for your convenience:

• Direct links to the O.C.D.C. electronic complaint form.
• Information and links for The Missouri Bar Association.
• A clear summary of the elements and evidence required to submit a strong, credible, and actionable complaint to the O.C.D.C.

A Critical Distinction

Before proceeding, it is vital to understand what a Bar complaint can—and cannot—achieve.

The complaint process is not for seeking compensation for legal malpractice, nor is it intended for simply "airing frustrations" over an unfavorable case result or a poor working relationship with your lawyer.

The sole purpose of this process is to present clear allegations and supporting evidence that the attorney breached one or more of the Rules of Professional Conduct that govern lawyer behavior in Missouri.

The O.C.D.C. Mission

The mission of the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel (O.C.D.C.) is to investigate, and where appropriate, prosecute professional misconduct in the interest of protecting the public and the integrity of the legal profession. Disciplinary actions are taken on behalf of the public, not as a remedy for individual consumers.

 A strong, actionable attorney bar complaint submitted to the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel (OCDC) of the State of Missouri must primarily allege a violation of the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct (Supreme Court Rule 4) and be supported by specific, factual evidence.

The OCDC's mission is to protect the public and the integrity of the legal profession by investigating and prosecuting such violations. It cannot recover money, reverse a court decision, or resolve fee disputes (though some complaints may be referred to a resolution program).

Here are the key elements and criteria for a complaint to be considered strong and actionable:

The complaint must clearly allege an action that constitutes a violation of the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 4). Examples of misconduct that the OCDC investigates include:

• Neglect/Lack of Diligence: Failure to perform agreed-upon duties, unreasonable delay, or lack of communication.
• Trust Violations/Misuse of Client Funds: Embezzlement or improper handling of funds entrusted to the lawyer (e.g., in a trust account).
• Conflict of Interest: Representing a client where the lawyer's personal interests or duties to another client would materially limit the representation.
• Inadequate Communication: Repeated failure to keep the client reasonably informed or promptly comply with reasonable requests for information.
• Improper Advertising or Solicitation.
• Breach of Confidentiality.
• Criminal or Dishonest Conduct: Actions involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, even if not directly related to the practice of law.

An actionable complaint must be a detailed, narrative statement that lays out the specific facts surrounding the alleged misconduct.

• Specifics of the Conduct: Clearly state what the attorney did or failed to do that you believe violated the rules.
• Dates and Timeline: Provide a complete history, including dates and times of key events, meetings, or communications.
• Case Information: Include the name of the court, case name, and case number if the complaint involves a legal proceeding.
• Attorney Identification: Provide the full name and address of the attorney being complained about. If multiple attorneys are involved, submit separate complaints.

The strength of your complaint rests on the evidence you provide. You should include copies (do not send originals) of all relevant supporting documents.

Helpful documentation includes:

• Fee or Retainer Agreements: Copies of any agreements regarding payment.
• Correspondence: Copies of relevant letters, faxes, emails, or texts between you and the attorney.
• Payments: Copies of canceled checks or receipts for any payments made to the lawyer.
• Legal Documents: Copies of pleadings, motions, or other legal documents that are relevant to the subject of the complaint.

While a strong factual basis is critical, the complaint must also meet the OCDC's administrative requirements for proper filing:

• Writing Requirement: All complaints must be submitted in writing, either using the official OCDC complaint form (which can be printed or filled out electronically) or a detailed, typed statement.
• Contact Information: Include your full name, mailing address, and telephone number.
• Length and Format: The OCDC requests that the submission be kept under 25 pages. They also have specific instructions regarding paper size (standard 8 ½” by 11”), avoiding writing on the back of pages, and not using staples or tape.

In summary, for your complaint to be actionable by the OCDC, it must move beyond general dissatisfaction or allegations of poor service and clearly demonstrate, with specific facts and supporting evidence, a violation of the Missouri Rules of Professional Conduct (Rule 4).

  You have three main options for submitting your complaint:

The OCDC provides an electronic form for submitting complaints directly through their website.

• Online Complaint Form: File a complaint electronically (OCDC) (Scroll to the bottom of the page for the fillable form.)

You can complete the fillable PDF form or write a detailed letter and email it along with supporting documentation.

• Email Address: intake.ocdc@courts.mo.gov
• Fill-in Form (PDF): Information and Instructions for OCDC Complaint Form

You can mail your completed form or letter and supporting documentation to their physical office.

• Mailing Address:Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel 3327 American Avenue Jefferson City, MO 65109
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When submitting your complaint, the OCDC requests that you adhere to the following guidelines:

• Documentation: Only send copies of documents; do not send originals.
• Format: Keep the entire submission under 25 pages. Use standard 8 ½” by 11” paper.
• Attorneys: File a separate complaint form for each attorney you are complaining about.
• Contact: The OCDC attempts to respond to each complaint within approximately four weeks of its receipt. If you have any questions, you can contact their office by phone at (573) 635-7400.