Complaints Against Attorneys

All lawyers admitted to practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania are bound by the Rules of Professional Conduct. The purpose of the Rules is to set forth minimum ethical standards for the practice of law. It is the responsibility of the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to see that the Rules of Professional Conduct are observed.

For more information on the complaint filing process and to obtain a copy of the complaint form, go to the Pennsylvania Disciplinary Board website. There are no charges or other costs to you by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel of the Board.

Complaints should be sent to the following address:
The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania
District IV Office
Suite 1300, Frick Building
437 Grant Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 565-3173

FEE DISPUTES

The Erie County Bar Association is a private association of lawyers.  We do not play any role in regulating the conduct of lawyers in Pennsylvania. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel does rely on the bar association to assist in certain functions, such as providing mediation in fee dispute matters.

The Erie County Bar Association’s Fee Dispute Committee is available to assist with resolving disputes over fees between clients and their attorneys. You can download a copy of the Fee Dispute Form below or contact the Erie County Bar Association office at (814) 459-3111 and one will be mailed to you.

When a complaint form is received at the ECBA office, it is reviewed and, assuming merit, is forwarded to a panel of three attorneys who will conduct a hearing with the client and his/her attorney. The client and attorney are given the opportunity to make the panel’s decision binding. If either party declines to do so, the panel will still hear the dispute and make a non-binding recommendation to both parties.

There is no cost for a Fee Dispute hearing.

Erie County Bar Association Fee Dispute Form