The Attorney Discipline Process in Missouri

When a person licensed to practice law in Missouri is the subject of public controversy, The Missouri Bar routinely receives phone calls, email correspondence, and social media messages from citizens sharing their concerns and requesting action by The Missouri Bar. The duties assigned to The Missouri Bar by the Supreme Court of Missouri do not extend to matters of attorney discipline or professional misconduct.

The purpose of the attorney discipline process is to protect the public and maintain the integrity of the legal profession. The Supreme Court of Missouri has the authority to disbar, suspend, or discipline a lawyer licensed in Missouri for violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct (Supreme Court Rule 4). Supreme Court of Missouri public disciplinary actions since 2006 are available online here. The disciplinary process itself is outlined in Supreme Court Rule 5.

A separate agency of the Supreme Court of Missouri, the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, is responsible for investigating complaints of and prosecuting cases involving professional misconduct by persons licensed to practice law in Missouri. You may learn more about the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, including how to file a complaint, at MoChiefCounsel.org.

The constitutionally-established Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline has responsibility for complaints concerning professional misconduct of state judges and judicial commission members.

                                                         -The Missouri Bar