Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Office of Disciplinary Counsel is an affiliated office with the Supreme Court of Ohio. Our Office educates, investigates, and prosecutes attorneys and judicial officers who are accused of ethical misconduct. All attorneys who practice law in Ohio must follow certain rules called the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. Judicial officers (judges and magistrates) have an additional set of rules they must follow called the Code of Judicial of Conduct. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel reviews complaints, which we call "grievances", from the public, judges, and other attorneys to determine whether there is evidence of unethical conduct. If such evidence exists, The Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates the allegations of misconduct and, when appropriate, files formal disciplinary charges against the attorney or judicial officer for violating our ethical rules. The Office of Disciplinary counsel also investigates allegations regarding the unauthorized practice of law.