Review our tips on finding the right lawyer. Most county bar associations also offer Lawyer Referral Services. The State Bar cannot refer clients to lawyers, and we cannot offer legal advice.
How do I file a complaint against an attorney?
The State Bar investigates complaints of attorney misconduct. This website provides instruction and online forms in several languages for filing a complaint. If you need help you can also call the multilingual Attorney Complaint Hotline at 800-843-9053.
Where can I find information about avoiding fraud, finding help with immigration matters, and other subjects?
The State Bar offers information for consumers on subjects such as finding an attorney, avoiding fraud, how to avoid being a victim of nonattorney fraud, resolving a dispute with a lawyer, and what Lawyer Referral Services do.
What do I do if I have a fee dispute with my attorney?
The State Bar has an informal, low-cost forum for resolving fee disputes through arbitration between lawyers and their clients. Read more about ways to resolve fee dispute with an attorney.
What if I have been the victim of an immigration consultant or unlicensed legal provider?
If you feel that you have been victimized by someone who is not licensed to practice law, you can file a complaint with the State Bar so that we can investigate. There is no charge to file a complaint. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, and the State Bar will not ask about your citizenship or immigration status.
How can I file a complaint against a judge?
The Commission on Judicial Performance is the independent state agency responsible for investigating complaints of judicial misconduct and judicial incapacity and for disciplining judges. Here are instructions for filing a complaint against a judge.
With this year’s wildfire season affecting a growing number of Californians statewide, the State Bar is directing disaster victims to a new website where they can seek legal services and is issuing an alert to warn the public about potential legal fraud in the wake of a disaster.
The State Bar of California has seized the unauthorized law practice of a Fontana woman who scammed hundreds of immigrants by claiming she could help them obtain legal residency. Samaris Estrada, who did business as Immigrants Legal Options in Fontana, led her clients to believe that she was qualified to perform legal services in immigration matters, a deception with dire consequences for several of her clients. Estrada has never been admitted to the State Bar of California.
