Statewide Grievance Committee – Hartford, CT

Statewide Grievance Committee

Attorney Ethics and Discipline

The Statewide Grievance Committee in Hartford is a critical arm of the Connecticut Judicial Branch, responsible for maintaining the integrity of the legal profession. Located at 999 Asylum Avenue, this body oversees the ethical conduct of the state’s attorneys. Its primary mandate is to review, investigate, and adjudicate complaints filed against lawyers who are admitted to practice in Connecticut. By enforcing the Rules of Professional Conduct, the committee ensures that the public is protected from legal malpractice and unethical behavior.

Filing a Complaint

Citizens who believe an attorney has acted unethically can seek recourse through this office. The process involves specific steps to ensure due process:

• Paper Filings Only: The committee does not accept complaints via email or electronic submission. An original complaint form plus six copies must be mailed or delivered to the office.
• Investigation: Grievance panels first determine if there is probable cause of misconduct before the matter proceeds to a hearing.
• Attorney Registration: The office also oversees the registration of over 35,000 attorneys and regulates attorney advertising standards.

Office Information

The committee’s administrative office handles inquiries regarding the grievance process and maintains records of past decisions. While hearings may be open to the public, the initial investigation phase often maintains confidentiality. It is important to note that this body handles ethical violations, not fee disputes or legal malpractice claims for monetary damages.