State Bar Launches Online Complaint Forms in English and Spanish Monday, January 7, 2019 Categories: News Releases The State Bar of California launches online complaint forms for attorney misconduct and the unauthorized practice of law in English and Spanish. The new online complaint forms allow consumers to file a complaint by providing basic information about the attorney or an unlicensed legal provider a description of the complaint and the alleged misconduct, and the ability to include relevant attachments to support their complaint. The new forms are intended to streamline and simplify the complaint submission process by eliminating the need to print and mail the complaint forms and supporting documents. The new complaint forms can be accessed directly from the State Bar’s website using any major internet browser. The State Bar also provides PDF complaint forms for any person who is unable to file an online complaint. Complaint forms for attorney misconduct or unauthorized practice of law are available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Russian. The State Bar advises anyone in California to avoid fraud from attorneys and unlicensed legal providers, including non-attorneys using the title notario, by taking some of the following steps: Ask for the attorney's full name and State Bar number. Before hiring the attorney or paying any sum of money, look up the attorney on the State Bar website (www.calbar.ca.gov), or the state in which they are licensed, to see if their license is active and whether they have any history of discipline. Consumers can also call the State Bar at 800-843-9053. Be wary of non-attorneys those who call themselves notarios; this is not authorized in California. Make sure to get your contract in writing as well as receipts for payments you make. Be wary if someone requires cash payments. If you must pay in cash, be sure to have a written receipt. Do not hire anyone who threatens to report your immigration status if you do not pay them immediately. Keep a paper trail. If you don't have a bank account, use a cashier's check. If you've already made a payment, you are entitled to ask for an accounting of your bills. People who believe they have been a victim of attorney misconduct or unlicensed legal providers are urged to file an online complaint or contact the Contact Center at 800-843-9053. The intake line has live interpretation in over 200 languages. Additional State Bar Resources for consumers: What happens after a complaint is filed Certified lawyer referral services The State Bar pamphlet Finding the Right Lawyer is available online The State Bar pamphlet Having A Problem With Your Lawyer is available online Multilingual State Bar legal resources for consumers Visit the State Bar’s website www.calbar.ca.gov to learn more about the attorney discipline system. Follow the State Bar online Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn ### The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system. Previous Article Next Article