The Office of Disciplinary Counsel
The Supreme Court of Ohio
Integrity. Respect. Fairness.
What is the Office of Disciplinary Counsel?
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) is an affiliated office of the Supreme Court of Ohio. ODC provides ethics education for the bench and bar. ODC also investigates and prosecutes attorneys and judicial officers who are accused of ethical misconduct. All attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Ohio must follow certain rules called the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct. Judicial officers (judges and magistrates) have an additional set of rules they must follow called the Code of Judicial Conduct.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel reviews complaints, referred to as "grievances," from the public, judges, and other attorneys to determine whether there is evidence of unethical conduct.
If such evidence exists, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates the allegations of misconduct and, when appropriate, files formal disciplinary charges against the attorney or judicial officer for violating the ethical rules.
The Office of Disciplinary Counsel also investigates allegations regarding the unauthorized practice of law.
A Message from Disciplinary Counsel
Thank you for visiting our website. Our office is committed to ensuring that attorneys and judicial officers in the State of Ohio act professionally and ethically under the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and the Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct. We strive to educate members of the bench and bar regarding their ethical obligations, but when an attorney or judicial officer acts unethically, our office will conduct a thorough and fair investigation to ensure the public's protection.
In addition to educating, investigating, and prosecuting Ohio's attorneys and judicial officers, our office also investigates and prosecutes persons who may be engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Our office strives to treat all persons involved in the disciplinary process with the utmost integrity, respect, fairness, and professionalism.
Joseph M. Caligiuri, Disciplinary Counsel
Rules of Conduct
The ethical standards governing Ohio attorneys and judicial officers may be accessed below. Additional information is found in the FAQ section.