In Missouri, the state bar is not charged with disciplining lawyers or judges. Clients who feel they have been charged an unreasonable fee by a lawyer and are unable to resolve the problem can utilize the bar's Fee Dispute Resolution Program. Complaints against lawyers who may have behaved unethically are handled by the Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel, a separate organization created by the Supreme Court of Missouri. Complaints against judges are handled by the Commission on the Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges.

Some problems that clients experience with lawyers can be more appropriately resolved through mediation instead of discipline. For example: complaints about poor service, lack of communications or similar problems. The Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel may refer this type of complaint to The Missouri Bar's Complaint Resolution Program. Through this program, clients and lawyers have an opportunity to resolve the service problem through mediation, at no cost.

The Commission on Retirement, Removal and Discipline of Judges is responsible for receiving and investigating all requests for the retirement of judges because of disability and all complaints concerning alleged misconduct of judges and judicial commission members.

This Commission is composed of two citizens who are not members of The Missouri Bar, two lawyers, one judge of the court of appeals and one judge of the circuit court of Missouri.

To make a complaint against a Missouri judge, click here.