In accordance with article 18 of The Federal Law on Legal Practice and the Bar (No. 63-FZ dated of May, 31, 2002), a Lawyer may not be held liable (including period after attorney status termination) for an opinion expressed by him during advocacy activity, unless a court verdict stablishes that the attorney is guilty of a criminal act (or omission).
These restrictions do not apply to the civil liability of the lawyer to the principal in accordance with this Federal law.
Part 1 of article 18 of the Code of Legal Ethics establishes that a lawyer's violation of the requirements of the law on advocacy and the bar and this Code, committed intentionally or carelessly, will result in disciplinary action provided for by the law on advocacy and the bar and this Code.
A complaint against a lawyer goes to the Bar Chamber of the constituent entity of the Russian Federation in which the lawyer is a member. This is sufficient to know his registration number to find out which Chamber the lawyer belongs to - the first two digits of the number before the slash indicate the number of the corresponding constituent entity. Information is indicated both in the lawyer’s registration number and authorization.
For instance, Raslin Viktor Leonidovich lawyer has the registration number 77/9170. The number 77 corresponds to the constituent entity of Moscow. Consequently, Mr. Raslin is a member of the Moscow Bar Chamber.
A complaint against a lawyer must meet the requirements qualified in article 20 of the Code of Legal Ethics.
It should contain the following information:
- name of the Bar Chamber to which the complaint is filed, submitted and appealed;
- name of the lawyer who filed a complaint against another lawyer, his Bar Chamber and lawyer's background;
- name of the principal lawyer, his place of residence or the name of the organization and location. In case if the complaint is filed by a representative, his name and address are required also name and location of the state authority, name of the official who sends the submission or appeal;
- name and location of the state authority, name of the official who sends the submission or appeal;
- name of the lawyer against whom the issue of initiating disciplinary proceedings is being raised;
- specific actions (omission) of a lawyer that resulted in a violation of their professional duties;
- the circumstances on which the person who filed the complaint bases his/her claims and supporting evidences.
The complaint must be signed by the applicant or their representative. Messages and complaints about the actions (omissions) of lawyers received by email are considered anonymous. Anonymous complaints and messages are not considered.