The Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel is an official agency of the Missouri Supreme Court, specializing in attorney discipline and professional conduct oversight. It stands out as the primary body responsible for safeguarding the public and the integrity of the legal profession by addressing attorney misconduct throughout Missouri.
Operating under Supreme Court Rules 4 and 5, the agency investigates allegations of lawyer impropriety, prosecutes cases involving threats to public or professional integrity, and maintains comprehensive disciplinary records. Its mission centers on protecting clients, the justice system, and the public by ensuring attorneys adhere to their professional obligations and ethical standards.
Services Offered
- Investigating allegations of attorney misconduct
- Prosecuting disciplinary cases against lawyers
- Maintaining current records of attorney disciplinary information
- Providing public resources on filing complaints against attorneys
- Offering guidance on avoiding problems with lawyers
- Issuing disciplinary certificates
- Processing returns to active status for attorneys
- Publishing annual reports and disciplinary records
- Providing access to Rules of Professional Conduct and disciplinary proceedings
- Offering practice assistance to lawyers for avoiding complaints
- Maintaining a list of approved lawyer referral services
- Publishing public discipline records since January 1, 2006
The agency serves the entire state of Missouri and operates as a key resource for the public, legal professionals, and the media, with all services conducted in English under the authority of the Missouri Supreme Court.
