Board of Professional Responsibility

Attorneys who violate the Rules of Professional Conduct are subject to discipline, which could mean suspension of the right to practice law, or even disbarment.

All lawyers, however, are not of equal abilities. Some are more capable than others and sometimes they make mistakes. A lawyer may lose the trust and confidence of a client for various reasons. In some cases, this may result from unethical conduct. In other cases, grounds for discipline may not exist because the lawyer may not have violated the Rules of Professional Conduct.

Disciplining a lawyer requires evidence - proof of misconduct - to justify disciplinary action. Likewise, the action of the lawyer must constitute misconduct. An honest disagreement about how a case should have been handled does not constitute misconduct, even if the outcome of the case is disappointing.

A mistake alone does not constitute misconduct. Like all others, lawyers make mistakes. If a mistake causes a loss, the client may be able to recover the loss in a law suit against the lawyer. But a mistake or error in judgment by itself is not misconduct.

If you have a problem of inadequate communication - lack of sufficient agreement or some misunderstanding - it may be the problem can best be resolved by a frank talk with the lawyer. The Board's Consumer Assistance Program may also be helpful in resolving misunderstandings with your attorney.

If your efforts have not satisfactorily resolved your concerns, complete and submit the "Online Complaint Form" below. Alternatively, download PDF form to fill out or print a blank copy of the complaint form.

For alleged ethical violations of a serious nature, check, "I am submitting this form as a formal complaint."
For concerns which do not rise to the level of serious ethical violations, check, "I am submitting this form as an informal request for assistance."
If you are filing a complaint against an attorney practicing law but not licensed in Tennessee, you will need to print and submit a complaint form to the Board via email attachment or U.S. mail to the following address:

Board of Professional Responsibility
10 Cadillac Dr, Ste 220
Brentwood, TN 37027
complaints@tbpr.org

Fillable PDF Form

Do not mail original documents to the Board. Include your name and the attorney's name on all documents.

Complaint Form

Lookup Lawyer

Clear Search

The attorney that you've selected is deceased. The Board of Professional Responsibility cannot accept complaints for attorneys who have passed away. If you believe that this status is in error, you may call our office.

Hint: As you type, your results will appear here to choose from.

The above lawyer is

Date of first contact with Lawyer

Date of last contact with Lawyer

Please select ONE of the following:

Complaint I am submitting this form as a formal complaint.

I am submitting this form as an informal request for assistance.

Please check this box if either applies to you:

I would like to provide an alternate contact in the event the office cannot reach me.
I would like to file a complaint on behalf of someone else (please enter your contact information as the alternate contact).

Please note that this alternate contact is in addition to your primary contact information.

Alternate Contact Information

Name prefix

First name

Last name

Name suffix

Home phone

Cell phone

Work phone

Address

Hint: As you type in a street address, complete addresses will appear here to choose from.

Apt/Suite Number

City

State

Zip

Personal Information

Name prefix

First name

Last name

Name suffix

Home phone

Cell phone

Work phone

Address

Hint: As you type in a street address, complete addresses will appear here to choose from.

Apt/Suite Number

City

State

Zip

Individual is incarcerated

Inmate ID#

Attachments

Complaint Description

Clearly Describe Your Concerns (7500 Characters Remaining (7,500 total))

Checking this box demonstrates my understanding that my complaint cannot be processed until documents reflecting the attorney's representation and/or documents supporting my complaint are received by the Board within 30 days of submission of this complaint.

After submitting your complaint, you will receive a confirmation email from the Board. Please forward supporting documentation to the Board by replying to the confirmation email or by U.S. mail to the following address:

Board of Professional Responsibility
10 Cadillac Drive, Suite 220
Brentwood, TN 37027

Do not mail original documents to the Board. Include your name and the attorney's name on all documents.

Electronic Signature

By checking this box, I certify that all information on this form is true and correct. I understand that the content of my inquiry will be disclosed to the lawyer. I also agree that the checkbox and my name typed below are to be used as my electronic signature.

I certify that the above information is true and correct.

Signature

Clear Signature

Print Your Full Name

Date