The current system works well. The public needs to be much more fully informed about the way the Bar deals with problem lawyers. More public education is needed. Delays in investigating the charges of misconduct erode public confidence. Complaints increase about 6 percent a year.
Most complaints involve lawyers in smaller firms.
One-half are ruled frivolous, found to be outside the Bar's jurisdiction, etc. Thirty-four states open the disciplinary process at an earlier stage. In Virginia, complaints are confidential, staff investigations are confidential, local-district hearings are confidential and numerous reprimands are kept private. Support documents, staff findings and written complaints remain confidential even at that stage. The bar, however, has refused to take that step.