Free Oklahoma Grievance Form

How to Write Oklahoma Grievance

Filing a grievance is an important step if you believe an attorney has acted unethically or unprofessionally. After submitting your grievance form, the Oklahoma Bar Association will review your submission and determine the appropriate course of action. This process may involve an investigation, and you will be notified of any developments.

1. Obtain the Oklahoma Grievance form from the Oklahoma Bar Association's website or office.
2. Fill in your personal information at the top of the form, including your name, address, and telephone numbers.
3. Provide the name and contact details of the attorney against whom you wish to file a grievance.
4. Indicate whether you employed the attorney by checking “Yes” or “No.” If you did, include the approximate date of employment and whether there was a written agreement for services.
5. If applicable, note the amount paid to the attorney and the date of payment.
6. If you did not employ the attorney, explain your connection to them in the provided space.
7. Provide additional information about the case, including the name of the court or county, case number, title of the suit, and the approximate date the case was filed.
8. If you have been represented by another attorney regarding this matter, list their name and address.
9. If you have reported this grievance to any other official or agency, include their names and the approximate date of the report.
10. Indicate whether you would be willing to appear and testify as a witness at a disciplinary hearing by checking “Yes” or “No.”
11. List the names and addresses of any witnesses to the grievance.
12. In the section for the nature of the grievance, provide a detailed account of your concerns about the attorney’s conduct. You may use additional paper if necessary.
13. Sign and date the form at the bottom. Ensure that the form is signed, as it cannot be considered without your signature.
14. Make a copy of the completed form and any supporting documents, as originals cannot be returned.
15. Submit the grievance form and any copies to the Oklahoma Bar Association at the address provided on the form.

When filling out the Oklahoma Grievance form, keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Do: Ensure that your grievance is in writing and signed.
• Do: Provide detailed information about your experience with the attorney.
• Do: Attach any relevant documents, such as a written agreement, if applicable.
• Do: Notify the Oklahoma Bar Association of any address changes.

• Don't: Write on the back of the form.
• Don't: Send original documents; only provide copies.
• Don't: Leave any required fields blank; complete all sections.
• Don't: Expect legal advice or representation from the Oklahoma Bar Association.

1. Failing to Sign the Form: One of the most critical mistakes is not signing the grievance form. The form must be signed for it to be considered valid. Without a signature, the grievance cannot proceed.

2. Not Providing Sufficient Detail: When describing the nature of the grievance, it’s essential to be thorough. Vague descriptions can lead to confusion and may result in the grievance being dismissed. Use clear and specific language to explain the situation.

3. Omitting Important Dates: Failing to include key dates, such as when you employed the attorney or when the grievance occurred, can hinder the investigation. Accurate timelines help the Oklahoma Bar Association understand the context of your complaint.

4. Neglecting to Include Contact Information: Providing your contact details is crucial. If the Oklahoma Bar Association needs to reach you for further information, they must have a way to do so. Ensure that your phone numbers and address are correct.

5. Not Attaching Relevant Documents: If there are any written agreements or supporting documents related to your grievance, be sure to attach copies. These documents can significantly strengthen your case.

6. Ignoring Previous Grievances: If you have filed similar complaints with other agencies, it is essential to disclose this information. Failing to mention previous grievances can lead to misunderstandings and may affect the outcome of your current complaint.

7. Submitting Original Documents: The instructions clearly state not to send original documents. Sending originals can result in their loss, as they cannot be returned. Always provide copies instead.

Misconceptions about the Oklahoma Grievance form can lead to confusion for those seeking to file a complaint against an attorney. Here are six common misconceptions clarified:

• Only clients can file a grievance. Many believe that only individuals who have directly employed an attorney can submit a grievance. However, anyone with relevant information about an attorney's conduct may file a grievance, regardless of their client status.
• The grievance process guarantees a resolution. Some people think that filing a grievance will automatically lead to disciplinary action against the attorney. In reality, the Oklahoma Bar Association investigates grievances but does not guarantee any specific outcome.
• The grievance form can be submitted anonymously. There is a misconception that grievances can be filed anonymously. However, the form must be signed and include the complainant's name and contact information for the investigation to proceed.
• The Oklahoma Bar Association provides legal representation. Many assume that the Bar Association will represent them in their legal matters. This is incorrect; the Bar Association's role is limited to investigating grievances and cannot provide legal advice or representation.
• Confidentiality means the complaint is entirely private. While the investigation is confidential, the complainant's identity may still be disclosed during the investigation process. It is essential to understand that complete anonymity cannot be guaranteed.
• Once a grievance is filed, it cannot be withdrawn. Some individuals think that a grievance, once submitted, is permanent. In fact, a complainant can request to withdraw their grievance before the investigation is completed.