The Lawyer Disciplinary Board is the governing and prosecutorial authority for attorney conduct in West Virginia, operating through its investigative arm, the Office of Lawyer Disciplinary Counsel. It specializes in upholding the Rules of Professional Conduct and ensuring ethical practice within the legal profession across the state.
Composed of twenty-two members—fifteen lawyers and seven lay persons—the Board offers a balanced approach to attorney oversight, combining legal expertise with public perspective. It provides critical guidance on legal ethics and serves as the primary resource for both public complaints and attorney inquiries regarding professional conduct and compliance.
Services Offered
- Investigation of attorney misconduct complaints
- Prosecution of violations of the Rules of Professional Conduct
- Legal ethics opinions and guidance
- Attorney ethics advice and consultation
- Review and adjudication of disciplinary decisions
- Administration of lawyer disciplinary procedures
- Publication of disciplinary rules and amendments
- Public resource for filing complaints against attorneys
- Maintenance of legal ethics opinion archives
- Liaison with other legal and disciplinary agencies
The Board serves the entire state of West Virginia and operates from Charleston, providing essential oversight and maintaining high standards for the legal community. Its published opinions and decisions offer ongoing guidance on emerging issues, including technology and ethics.
