Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel > For the Public      

The attorney discipline system is funded by a portion of the annual enrollment fee each attorney is required to pay to the Missouri Supreme Court. No tax dollars are utilized.

The Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel is an agency of the Missouri Supreme Court, funded by lawyers’ dues, and is separate and distinct from the Missouri Bar Association.

The Rules of Professional Conduct apply only to those persons admitted or formerly admitted to practice law in the State of Missouri. Courts may, of course regulate the conduct of anyone appearing before them.

Staff of the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel are not permitted to refer complainants to particular private attorneys.  Consult the Lawyer Referral Service in your area for a referral to a lawyer. 

Anyone can find out if a Missouri attorney has a record of public discipline by contacting the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel.  (Office of the Chief Disciplinary Counsel, 3335 American Avenue, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Phone (573) 635-7400 Fax (573) 635-2240) Pending investigations and information about complaints filed which have not led to discipline are confidential under Supreme Court Rule 5.31. Under Missouri Supreme Court rules, admonitions issued to attorneys are normally available to the public for three years after issuance, but become closed records after three years. Public discipline (discipline imposed by the Missouri Supreme Court) is always available to the public. Public discipline imposed since January 1, 2006 is available at the Missouri Supreme Court website.