Texas

Houston Attorney Ethics & Discipline

Houston is one of the largest legal markets in the United States. Attorney discipline in Texas is handled by the Commission for Lawyer Discipline. The Ethics Reporter covers attorney misconduct in Houston, including cases involving the energy industry, personal injury, and immigration law.

File a Bar Complaint in Houston

Attorney discipline in Houston is handled by the State Bar of Texas — Commission for Lawyer Discipline. If you believe an attorney has violated their professional obligations, you have the right to file a formal complaint.

Visit State Bar of Texas — Commission for Lawyer Discipline →Texas Attorney Discipline →

How to File a Bar Complaint Against a Houston Attorney

1
Document everything. Gather all communications with the attorney — emails, letters, invoices, contracts, and any evidence of misconduct. Organize it chronologically.
2
Identify the violations. Review the professional conduct rules for Texas and identify which rules the attorney appears to have violated. Common violations include Rule 1.1 (competence), Rule 1.4 (communication), Rule 1.15 (client funds), and Rule 8.4 (misconduct).
3
Submit your complaint. File a written complaint with the State Bar of Texas — Commission for Lawyer Discipline. Include all supporting documentation and be as specific as possible about dates, facts, and the specific harm caused.
4
Follow up. The grievance committee will typically acknowledge your complaint and assign an investigator. The process can take months to years. Stay in contact and provide any additional information requested.
5
Consider civil remedies. A bar complaint is separate from a legal malpractice lawsuit. If you suffered financial damages, consult with a legal malpractice attorney about your civil remedies, which operate on a different timeline than bar discipline.

What Attorney Misconduct Can You Report?

Rule 1.1 — Competence

Attorney lacks knowledge or skill for the matter

Rule 1.4 — Communication

Attorney fails to respond or keep you informed

Rule 1.15 — Client Funds

Attorney mishandles or steals money held in trust

Rule 1.3 — Diligence

Attorney fails to act with reasonable promptness

Rule 7.1 — Advertising

False or misleading communications about services

Rule 8.4 — Misconduct

Fraud, dishonesty, or criminal acts

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Investigations Involving Houston / Texas

May 5, 2026

The Brady Illusion: How Prosecutors Escape Accountability for Concealing Exculpatory Evidence

O n a Tuesday afternoon in March 2019, Brandon Mitchell sat in a Houston courtroom and watched a prosecutor stand before the jury and claim that there was no ev

December 28, 2025

The Resignation and License Revocation of Houston Attorney David Lee Pettus

The integrity of the legal profession in Texas hinges on the ethical handling of client funds. For Houston-based personal injury lawyer David Lee Pettus (State

Know a Houston Attorney Who Should Be Investigated?

The Ethics Reporter relies on tips from clients, colleagues, and insiders to identify attorneys who are violating their professional obligations. All tips are reviewed by our editorial team.

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