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Blank Texas Grievance PDF Form

The Texas Grievance Form is a document used to formally report concerns about an attorney's conduct in Texas. This form allows individuals to express their grievances regarding issues such as poor communication, lack of progress on a case, or difficulties in obtaining documents from a former attorney. If you believe you have a valid concern, consider filling out the form by clicking the button below.

Content Overview

The Texas Grievance Form is a crucial tool for individuals seeking to address concerns regarding the conduct of attorneys in the state. Before initiating the grievance process, individuals are encouraged to explore alternative resolutions through the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP), which aims to resolve issues quickly without the need for formal complaints. The form itself is divided into several sections, starting with general information that requires personal details and the nature of the grievance. It emphasizes the importance of providing complete and accurate information, as any incomplete sections may hinder the processing of the grievance. Additionally, the form requires specific details about the attorney involved, including their contact information and the nature of the relationship between the complainant and the attorney. It also prompts individuals to describe the grievance in detail, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. Furthermore, it is important to note that grievances must be filed against individual attorneys rather than law firms, and a separate form is necessary for each attorney. Understanding the structure and requirements of the Texas Grievance Form can help individuals navigate the process more effectively and ensure that their concerns are heard.

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OFFICE OF THE CHIEF DISCIPLINARY COUNSEL

STATE BAR OF TEXAS

GRIEVANCE FORM

ONLINE FILING AVAILABLE AT http://cdc.texasbar.com.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Before you fill out this paperwork, there may be a faster way to resolve the issue you

are currently having with an attorney.

If you are considering filing a grievance against a Texas attorney for any of the following

reasons:

~ You are concerned about the progress of your case.

~ Communication with your attorney is difficult.

~ Your case is over or you have fired your attorney and you need documents from

your file or your former attorney.

You may want to consider contacting the Client-Attorney Assistance Program

(CAAP) at 1-800-932-1900.

CAAP was established by the State Bar of Texas to help people resolve these kinds of

issues with attorneys quickly, without the filing of a formal grievance.

CAAP can resolve many problems without a grievance being filed by providing

information, by suggesting various self-help options for dealing with the situation, or by

contacting the attorney either by telephone or letter.

I have ______ I have not ______ contacted the Client-Attorney Assistance Program.

If you prefer, you have the option to file your grievance online at

http://cdc.texasbar.com.

In order for us to comply with our deadlines, additional information/documentation

that you would like to include as part of your grievance submission must be received

in this office by mail or fax within (10) days after submission of your grievance. Please

limit your additional information to 25 pages. Information, including audio, video or

image files, submitted on a USB thumb drive or flash drive must not exceed 25MB.

Information received after the 10 day deadline will be returned and not considered,

as well as information submitted on CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes or other unsupported

media. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

NOTE: Please be sure to fill out each section completely. Do not leave any section

blank. If you do not know the answer to any question, write “I don’t know.”

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Ms.

Mr.

II. I

NFORMATION

BOUT

LEASE

EEP

URRENT

1. TDCJ/SID # ________________ Name:

_____________________________________

Immigration # _______________

Address: _____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

City: ____________________ State: _________________ Zip Code: ______________

2. Employer:___________________________________________________________________

Employer’s Address:__________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3. Telephone numbers: Residence: ____________________ Work: _____________________

Cell: _________________

4. Email:______________________________________________________________________

5. Drivers License # _____________________ Date of Birth __________________

6. Name, address, and telephone number of person who can always reach you in the event that the

Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel needs to locate you. *Please note that confidentiality is

not waived and this individual does not have the authority to contact the Office of Chief

Disciplinary Counsel in order to obtain information about this grievance.

Name _______________________________ Address _______________________________

______________________________ Telephone ___________________________________

7. Do you understand and write in the English language? ______________________

If no, what is your primary language? ___________

Who helped you prepare this form? _____________________________________

Will they be available to translate future correspondence during this process? _________

8. Are you a Judge? _____________________

If yes, please provide Court, County, City, State: ____________________________________

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III. INFORMATION ABOUT ATTORNEY

Note: Grievances are not accepted against law firms. You must specifically name the

attorney against whom you are complaining. A separate grievance form must be completed

for each attorney against whom you are complaining.

1. Attorney name: _____________________________ Address: ____________________

City: ______________________ State:_____________ Zip Code:_________________

2. Telephone number: Work _____________ Home ________________ Other _____________

3. Have you or a member of your family filed a grievance about this attorney previously?

Yes ___ No ___ If “yes”, please state its approximate date and outcome. ____________

______________________________________________________________________________

Have you or a member of your family ever filed an appeal with the Board of Disciplinary

Appeals about this attorney?

Yes ____ No ___ If “yes,” please state its approximate date and outcome.

________________________________________________________________________

4. Please check one of the following:

________ This attorney was hired to represent me.

________ This attorney was appointed to represent me.

________ This attorney was hired to represent someone else.

If you hired the attorney, tell us how you met the attorney. Specifically, please provide details

about how you came to know and hire this attorney.___________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Please give the date the attorney was hired or appointed. __________________________

Please state what the attorney was hired or appointed to do.________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

5. What was your fee arrangement with the attorney? ____________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

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How much did you pay the attorney? ______________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

If you signed a contract and have a copy, please attach.

If you have copies of checks and/or receipts, please attach.

Do not send originals.

6. If you did not hire the attorney, what is your connection with the attorney? Explain briefly

______________________________________________________________________________

7. Are you currently represented by an attorney? ____________________

If yes, please provide information about your current attorney: ___________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

8. Do you claim the attorney has an impairment, such as depression or a substance use

disorder? If yes, please provide specifics (your personal observations of the attorney such

as slurred speech, odor of alcohol, ingestion of alcohol or drugs in your presence etc.,

including the date you observed this, the time of day, and location).

________________________________________________________________________

9. Did the attorney ever make any statements or admissions to you or in your presence that

would indicate that the attorney may be experiencing an impairment, such as depression or

a substance use disorder? If so, please provide details.

________________________________________________________________________

IV. INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR GRIEVANCE

1. Where did the activity you are complaining about occur?

County: _________________ City: ________________

2. If your grievance is about a lawsuit, answer the following, if known:

a. Name of court ________________________________________________________

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b. Title of the suit ________________________________________________________

c. Case number and date suit was filed _______________________________________

d. If you are not a party to this suit, what is your connection with it? Explain briefly.

______________________________________________________________________

If you have copies of court documents, please attach.

3. Explain in detail why you think this attorney has done something improper or has failed to

do something which should have been done. Attach additional sheets of paper if necessary.

Supporting documents, such as copies of a retainer agreement, proof of payment,

correspondence between you and your attorney, the case name and number if

a specific case is involved, and copies of papers filed in connection with the case, may

be useful to our investigation. Do not send originals, as they will not be returned.

Additionally, please do not use staples, post-it notes, or binding. Please limit your

supporting documentation to 25 pages. Information, including audio, video or image

files, submitted on a USB thumb drive or flash drive must not exceed 25MB.

Information received after the 10 day deadline will be returned and not considered,

as well as information submitted on CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes or other unsupported

media.

Include the names, addresses, and telephone number of all persons who

know something about your grievance.

Please be advised that a copy of your grievance will be forwarded to the attorney

named in your grievance. To protect your privacy and the privacy of others, please

redact personal identifying information (i.e., social security number, date of birth)

from any document you provide in support of your grievance and avoid

submitting medical records or protected health information belonging to third-

parties. Please be advised that in the event that you do provide records that contain

your own personal identifying information or protected health information, you

are authorizing us to share this information with the attorney named in your

grievance. Be advised that documents that contain unredacted third party personal

identifying information or that individual’s protected health information will be

returned and not considered. By executing the grievance below, you authorize the

CDC to disclose your personal identifying information and protected health

information as necessary to comply with the law, or as necessary to carry out the

function and duties of the CDC.

______________________________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________________

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V. HOW DID YOU LEARN ABOUT THE STATE BAR OF TEXAS’ ATTORNEY

GRIEVANCE PROCESS?

__ Yellow Pages __ CAAP

__ Internet __ Attorney

__ Other __ Website

VI. ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE WAIVER

I hereby expressly waive any attorney-client privilege as to the attorney, the subject of this

Grievance, and authorize such attorney to reveal any information in the professional relationship

to the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel of the State Bar of Texas. I understand that it may be

necessary to act promptly to preserve any legal rights I may have, and that commencement of a

civil action may be required to preserve those rights.

Additionally, I understand that the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel may exercise its discretion

and refer this Grievance to the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) of the State Bar of

Texas for assistance in resolving a subject matter of this Grievance. In that regard, I hereby

acknowledge my understanding that such discretionary referral does not constitute the

commencement of a civil action and that the State Bar of Texas will not commence any civil action

on my part. I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to seek and obtain any necessary legal

advice with respect to this matter. I also understand that any information I provide to the State Bar

of Texas may be used to assist me and will remain confidential for purposes of resolving the

issue(s) described above.

I understand that the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel maintains as confidential the processing

of Grievances.

I hereby swear and affirm that I am the person named in Section II, Question 1 of this form (the

Complainant) and that the information provided in this Grievance is true and correct to the best

of my knowledge.

Signature: _________________________________ Date: ______________________

O ENSURE PROMPT ATTENTION

THE GRIEVANCE SHOULD BE MAILED TO

THE

FFICE OF

HIEF

ISCIPLINARY

OUNSEL

P.O. Box 13287

Austin, TX 78711

Fax: (512) 427-4169

➤ PDF File

Form Specifications

Fact Name	Details
Governing Body	The grievance form is governed by the State Bar of Texas.
Online Filing	Individuals can file grievances online at cdc.texasbar.com.
Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP)	CAAP offers quick resolution options before filing a formal grievance.
Eligibility	Grievances can only be filed against individual attorneys, not law firms.
Information Requirement	All sections of the grievance form must be completed; leaving sections blank is not permitted.
Language Support	Assistance is available for individuals who do not understand or write in English.
Documentation	Attachments such as contracts or receipts should be included, but originals should not be sent.
Impairment Reporting	Grievants can report observed impairments of the attorney, including substance use disorders.

Texas Grievance: Usage Guidelines

Completing the Texas Grievance form requires careful attention to detail. After filling out the form, it will need to be submitted to the appropriate authorities. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. Follow the steps below to ensure that you fill out the form correctly.

Visit the Texas Grievance form online at http://cdc.texasbar.com or obtain a physical copy.
Begin with the General Information section. Indicate whether you have contacted the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) by checking the appropriate box.
Proceed to the Information About You section. Fill in your TDCJ/SID number, Immigration number, name, address, city, state, and zip code.
Provide your employer's name and address, as well as your telephone numbers (residence, work, and cell) and email address.
Enter your driver's license number and date of birth.
List a contact person who can always reach you, including their name, address, and telephone number.
Indicate whether you understand and write in English. If not, state your primary language and who helped you prepare the form.
Answer whether you are a judge and provide the court, county, city, and state if applicable.
Move to the Information About Attorney section. Fill in the attorney's name, address, city, state, and zip code.
Provide the attorney's telephone number (work, home, and other).
Indicate if you or a family member has previously filed a grievance against this attorney and provide details if applicable.
Check the appropriate box regarding your relationship with the attorney (hired, appointed, or representing someone else) and provide relevant dates and details.
Describe your fee arrangement with the attorney and how much you paid them. Attach a copy of the contract or any relevant payment documents.
If you did not hire the attorney, briefly explain your connection to them.
State whether you are currently represented by another attorney and provide their information if applicable.
Answer whether you believe the attorney has an impairment and provide specifics if so.
Detail any statements or admissions made by the attorney that indicate an impairment.
In the Information About Your Grievance section, indicate where the activity you are complaining about occurred, including county and city.
If applicable, provide details about the lawsuit, including the court name, title of the suit, case number, and your connection to it.
Explain in detail why you believe the attorney acted improperly or failed to act. Attach additional sheets if necessary, along with any relevant documents.
Include the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all persons who can provide information about your grievance.
Finally, indicate how you learned about the State Bar of Texas’ attorney grievance process.

Your Questions, Answered

What is the Texas Grievance Form and when should it be used?

The Texas Grievance Form is a document used to file a formal complaint against a Texas attorney. Individuals may consider using this form if they have concerns about an attorney's performance, such as lack of communication, delays in case progress, or difficulty obtaining documents after terminating the attorney's services. Before filing a grievance, it may be beneficial to contact the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) at 1-800-932-1900 for quicker resolution options. This program can help address many issues without the need for a formal grievance.

How do I fill out the Texas Grievance Form?

When completing the Texas Grievance Form, it is important to fill out each section completely. Leaving any section blank can delay the processing of your grievance. If you do not know the answer to a question, you should write “I don’t know.” Ensure that all required information about yourself and the attorney in question is provided. This includes contact information, details of the grievance, and any relevant documentation that supports your claims.

What happens after I submit the grievance?

After the grievance is submitted, it will be forwarded to the attorney named in the complaint. The attorney will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations made. The Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel will then review the grievance and the attorney's response. Depending on the findings, various actions may be taken, which could range from dismissal of the grievance to further investigation or disciplinary action against the attorney.

Can I file a grievance against a law firm?

No, grievances cannot be filed against law firms. The grievance must specifically name an individual attorney. If there are multiple attorneys involved, a separate grievance form must be completed for each attorney. This ensures that each attorney's actions are evaluated independently.

Common mistakes

Leaving Sections Blank: One common mistake is not filling out all sections of the form. Every part is important, and leaving any section blank can delay the process or lead to the grievance being dismissed.
Not Providing Complete Contact Information: It’s crucial to provide accurate and current contact details. Missing or incorrect information can hinder communication and updates regarding your grievance.
Failing to Specify the Attorney: Grievances must be directed at a specific attorney, not a law firm. People sometimes forget to include the attorney’s name, which can result in the grievance being invalid.
Neglecting to Attach Relevant Documents: Supporting documents can strengthen your case. Failing to attach copies of contracts, receipts, or correspondence can weaken your grievance.
Not Seeking Help When Needed: If you're unsure about how to fill out the form, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Many people struggle with the process, and getting help can ensure that your grievance is properly submitted.

Documents used along the form

The Texas Grievance form is an important document for individuals who wish to file a complaint against an attorney. However, several other forms and documents may also be relevant in this process. Understanding these can help streamline your grievance experience.

Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) Form: This form is used to initiate contact with the CAAP. This program offers assistance to resolve issues with attorneys before filing a formal grievance. It provides a quicker, often less stressful resolution process.
Authorization to Release Information: This document allows the State Bar of Texas to obtain necessary information from your attorney or other relevant parties. Completing this form can facilitate the investigation of your grievance by ensuring that all parties can share pertinent information.
Request for Investigation: If you believe your grievance requires immediate attention, this form can be submitted to request a prompt investigation. It outlines the urgency of your concerns and provides additional context for the State Bar to act swiftly.
Appeal Form: If the outcome of your grievance is not satisfactory, you may want to appeal the decision. This form allows you to formally challenge the result and present your case for reconsideration by the Board of Disciplinary Appeals.

Having these documents ready can enhance your ability to navigate the grievance process effectively. Each serves a distinct purpose and can support your case in different ways.

Similar forms

Complaint Form: Similar to the Texas Grievance form, a general complaint form allows individuals to report issues or grievances against professionals or services. Both documents require detailed information about the complainant and the subject of the complaint.
Client Feedback Form: This form collects feedback from clients regarding their experiences with a service provider. Like the grievance form, it aims to gather specific details about the interaction and any issues faced.
Incident Report: An incident report is used to document specific events or issues that require formal attention. Both the incident report and the grievance form require a clear description of the situation and relevant details.
Consumer Complaint Form: This form is used to lodge complaints against businesses or services. It shares similarities with the Texas Grievance form in terms of collecting personal information and details about the complaint.
Professional Conduct Complaint Form: This document is used to report unethical behavior by professionals. Both forms focus on ensuring accountability and require detailed accounts of the alleged misconduct.
Legal Malpractice Complaint Form: This form specifically addresses issues of malpractice within the legal profession. It parallels the Texas Grievance form in that both require a clear outline of the alleged improper actions by an attorney.
Disciplinary Complaint Form: Used by various professional boards, this form allows individuals to report misconduct by licensed professionals. Similar to the grievance form, it gathers comprehensive information about the complainant, the professional involved, and the nature of the complaint.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Texas Grievance form, it's important to approach the process with care and attention to detail. Here are five things you should and shouldn't do to ensure your grievance is handled effectively.

Do fill out each section completely. Leaving sections blank can delay the processing of your grievance.
Don't hesitate to write “I don’t know” if you are unsure about an answer. It's better than leaving it blank.
Do provide accurate contact information. Ensure that your name, address, and phone numbers are correct so that you can be reached easily.
Don't send original documents. Always attach copies of relevant documents instead, as originals will not be returned.
Do be clear and detailed in your explanation of the grievance. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the State Bar to understand your situation.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your grievance is properly reviewed and addressed. Take your time, and make sure every detail is accurate and complete.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the Texas Grievance form can lead to confusion and hinder the resolution process. Here are four common misunderstandings:

Filing a grievance is always necessary for resolving issues with an attorney. Many believe that a formal grievance must be filed to address concerns. However, the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) offers a quicker, informal way to resolve many common issues without the need for a grievance.
Grievances can be filed against law firms. Some individuals think they can submit a grievance against a law firm. In reality, grievances must be directed specifically at an individual attorney. Each attorney requires a separate grievance form.
All grievances are treated equally and will lead to disciplinary action. Many assume that filing a grievance guarantees that disciplinary action will be taken. The State Bar evaluates each grievance based on its merits, and not all grievances result in formal action against the attorney.
It’s acceptable to submit original documents with the grievance. Some people believe they can send original documents as evidence. However, it is crucial to only submit copies, as originals will not be returned.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Texas Grievance form, consider the following key takeaways:

Contact Assistance First: Before filing a grievance, you may want to reach out to the Client-Attorney Assistance Program (CAAP) for quicker resolutions. They can help with issues related to attorney communication and case progress.
Complete All Sections: It is important to fill out every section of the form completely. Leaving sections blank can delay the processing of your grievance.
Provide Detailed Information: Clearly explain the reasons for your grievance. Include specific details about the attorney’s actions or inactions, as well as any relevant documents to support your case.
Understand the Process: Be aware that grievances are only accepted against individual attorneys, not law firms. Each attorney requires a separate grievance form.