What is the process to file a complaint against an attorney in Ohio?

Filing a complaint against an attorney in Ohio involves submitting a written complaint to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. This office is responsible for overseeing the ethical conduct of attorneys and is part of the Ohio Supreme Court's disciplinary system. The process typically requires the complainant to detail the grievances and provide any supporting evidence regarding the attorney's alleged misconduct.

This method ensures that complaints are handled by a designated body with the authority to investigate and, if necessary, take disciplinary action against attorneys who violate professional conduct rules. The Office of Disciplinary Counsel has the expertise to assess the complaint and determine the appropriate course of action, including potential investigations and hearings.

The other options do not directly address the appropriate and formal mechanism for addressing grievances against attorneys within the state's legal framework. For example, while contacting the Ohio State Bar Association or a local court may be useful in some contexts, these avenues do not serve as official channels for filing a complaint about attorney misconduct. Additionally, merely notifying the attorney's law firm does not initiate a formal complaint procedure and may not lead to any substantive review of the attorney's professional conduct.