Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania – Harrisburg, PA

The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania: Upholding Legal Integrity

Protecting the Public and the Profession

The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, with its District III Office located in the Pennsylvania Judicial Center at 601 Commonwealth Avenue in Harrisburg, acts as the primary agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting attorney misconduct. Created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in 1972, the Board’s core mission is to protect the public, maintain the integrity of the legal profession, and safeguard the reputation of the courts. This body has exclusive jurisdiction over the discipline of attorneys admitted to practice law in the Commonwealth. The Harrisburg office serves as a critical hub for the central part of the state, handling complaints, investigations, and disciplinary hearings. The Board ensures that all lawyers adhere to the Pennsylvania Rules of Professional Conduct and the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement. ⚖️

Filing Complaints and Investigations

The most direct interaction the public has with the Disciplinary Board is through the complaint process. If a client believes their attorney has acted unethically—whether through neglect, misappropriation of funds, or other misconduct—they can file a complaint with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC). The Harrisburg office houses staff who review these complaints to determine if they warrant formal investigation. The process is:

• Confidentiality: Initially, complaints and investigations are confidential to protect both the complainant and the attorney.
• Review: Disciplinary Counsel evaluates the allegations. If a violation of the Rules of Professional Conduct is found, the case may proceed to a hearing.
• Hearings: Hearing Committees, composed of volunteer attorneys, conduct proceedings that operate similarly to a trial.

It is important to note that the Disciplinary Board cannot give legal advice, change the outcome of a court case, or recover money for a client (except through the separate Pennsylvania Lawyers Fund for Client Security). 📝

Attorney Registration and Compliance

Every attorney licensed in Pennsylvania must register annually with the Disciplinary Board. The administrative side of the Board manages this massive database of legal professionals. Through the Board’s website and offices, the public can access the ”Look Up An Attorney” feature to verify if a lawyer is in good standing, active, or has a history of disciplinary action. This transparency is a vital consumer protection tool. The Board also oversees the reinstatement of attorneys who have been suspended or disbarred, ensuring they have met the rigorous moral and professional standards required to return to practice.

Location and Accessibility

The District III Office is situated within the Pennsylvania Judicial Center, a secure state government facility within the Capitol Complex. Visitors must undergo strict security screening, including metal detectors and bag checks. The location is easily accessible via public transportation and is close to other key legal institutions, such as the Commonwealth Court and the Superior Court. While many functions, such as registration and form access, are handled online, the physical office remains the center for hearings and case management in the region.