Bar Association Grievances in New York
Assistance with Bar Association Grievance Complaints, Mediations and Other Disputes
Attorneys in New York must adhere to the Rules of Professional Conduct, the Judiciary Law, etc. Certain grievances are referred to the local bar association grievance committees for investigation and determination.
Whether or not the bar association grievance or complaint filed against you is legitimate or not, you need experienced professional representation. If you are the subject of a grievance, please contact us today.
McDonough & McDonough is a law firm that is dedicated to representing attorneys facing grievances and complaints. Our team of lawyers understand the issues that attorneys can face, and are experienced in navigating the grievance system for the benefit of our clients.
Our New York based legal team is available to discuss your case via phone at (516) 900-9042. Or, you can schedule a confidential consultation with us by completing our contact form.
Types of Bar Association Grievances
Typically, grievances investigated by bar associations are considered lower level grievances. Bar associations only have the authority to issue an advisement or dismiss a grievance. However, if during their investigation they discover more serious misconduct, they will report that to the appropriate Appellate Division grievance committee for further investigation by that committee, which has the authority to issue more serious sanctions or institute a disciplinary proceeding.
What Does Filing a Grievance Involve?
When a client files a grievance against an attorney, they will provide information about the lawyer, the reason they are filing the grievance, and any evidence they may possess of the attorney’s alleged misconduct. The information must be first submitted formally to an Appellate Division grievance committee. That committee may refer it to a bar association committee if it so chooses.
The system that is in place for handling grievances will depend on the rules established by the bar association through which the complaint is being submitted. Typically, grievances are reviewed by a committee chair. They then are assigned for investigation by a committee member. The investigating attorney will request a response from the attorney who is the subject of the grievance. Through an evaluation of each party’s submission, and occasionally after an interview, the bar association will reach a decision about the grievance and decide whether the grievance can be resolved at the bar association level or referred back to the Appellate Division grievance committee for further investigation or action.
Contact Us to Discuss Your Case
We provide effective representation for attorneys who are facing bar association grievances. Contact our New York based team today to learn more about how we can help you!
Schedule a confidential consultation with our New York bar association grievance lawyers by sending us a message or call (516) 900-9042.

Defenses to Client Complaints
The strategy that is most appropriate for approaching your case will depend on the details of your situation. To combat a client’s claims, we will build and present a strong defense that refutes the client's allegations and demonstrates your professionalism as an attorney. We will work together with you to present evidence, build an argument, and show that you adhere to the standards of professional conduct.
At McDonough & McDonough, we focus our practice exclusively on representing attorneys and law students. We will use our many years of experience in the field of attorney representation to help you achieve the best result.
