The State Bar of Georgia exists to foster among the members of the Bar of this state the principles of duty and service to the public; to improve the administration of justice; and to advance the science of law. All persons authorized to practice law in this state are required to be members.

The Bar has strict codes of ethics and discipline that are enforced by the Supreme Court of Georgia through the State Bar's Office of the General Counsel. Membership dues and other contributions help the Bar provide programs that are mutually beneficial to its members and the general public.

Finding the Public Disciplinary History, Membership Status and Contact Information of an Attorney 

The general public now has more access than ever before to information about attorneys who are members of the State Bar of Georgia. The State Bar of Georgia has considerably improved reporting of lawyer discipline information on the Bar's website.

By going to the Member Directory and conducting a member directory search, anyone can look up an attorney and learn more about them.  The website improvements allow users to see an attorney's public disciplinary record online, if such disciplinary record exists, as well as their current membership status and contact information.

The public has long been able to get this information by calling the State Bar. Now the information is also available via the Internet, any time, any day. The website displays a wide variety of sanctions, and consumers can easily read case summaries so they know why the lawyer was disciplined. The site also provides definitions of terminology, for ease of understanding.

Selecting a Lawyer 

Although the State Bar of Georgia is not authorized to refer clients to lawyers, the Bar is permitted to refer clients to lawyer referral services that can help clients find lawyers. To obtain the telephone number for a referral service in your area, please call 404-527-8700.

Filing a Grievance 

If you feel an attorney has engaged in unethical behavior, prior to filing a grievance, we encourage you to contact the Bar's Consumer Assistance Program. CAP responds to all inquiries from the public regarding all licensed attorneys and assists the public through informal methods to resolve inquiries which may involve minor violations of disciplinary standards by attorneys. 

Fee Arbitration Program 

The Fee Arbitration program is a service to the general public and lawyers of Georgia. It provides a convenient mechanism for the resolution of fee disputes between attorneys and clients. The actual arbitration is a hearing conducted by two experienced attorneys and one non-lawyer citizen. Like judges, they hear the arguments on both sides and decide the outcome of the dispute. Arbitration is impartial and usually less expensive than going to court.

Consumer Pamphlet Series

The State Bar publishes a variety of consumer information brochures and pamphlets to help educate the public about legal issues. Although the pamphlets are designed to inform the public, they are not designed to give advice on any specific legal matter. 

Senior Citizen Resource Guide

An Information and Resource Guide is provided as a service for seniors, their families and friends to assist them in finding basic information and locating services for Georgia senior citizens. This service is provided by the State Bar of Georgia's Elder Law Section and is intended for use as a general resource and starting point. It is not intended to provide individual professional advice. More specific information can be obtained by contacting the listed resources or by seeking the services of professionals in these areas of concentration. Further information can also be obtained by contacting the Georgia Senior Legal Hotline at 1-888-257-9519.

Clients Security Fund

The Clients' Security Fund of the State Bar of Georgia was initially created by Resolution of the Board of Governors on March 29, 1968, at Stone Mountain, Georgia ". . . for the purpose of maintaining the integrity and protecting the good name of the legal profession by reimbursing to the extent deemed proper and feasible by the Board losses caused by the dishonest conduct of members of the State Bar of Georgia."

In 1991, the Supreme Court of Georgia adopted the Rules of the Clients' Security Fund as Part X of the State Bar Rules. The Fund fulfills, in part, the duty of the legal profession to keep faith with the public and serves to maintain the profession's collective reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. Attorneys from the State Bar of Georgia Office of the General Counsel act as staff for the Clients' Security Fund.