The professional conduct of attorneys is generally regulated by each state's rules of professional conduct—which are often written by the state's highest court, and enforced through the disciplinary process administered by the state's bar association. The professional conduct of attorneys is also referred to as legal ethics and professional responsibility.

Attorneys can be disciplined for a variety of reasons, ranging from the failure to pay their bar dues to misappropriating client funds. The grounds upon which an attorney may be disciplined by the state bar association are generally located in the state bar association's disciplinary rules of professional conduct.

Some attorneys who have been disciplined are no longer eligible to practice law. You should inquire about an attorney’s disciplinary history on the state bar association’s website, or by calling the state bar association.

You should not hire an attorney whose license is been suspended or revoked and who is not eligible to practice law in your state. Each state has a disciplinary organization that receives, investigates, and resolves ethics complaints against attorneys licensed in the state.

In Massachusetts, the professional conduct of attorneys is regulated by the Massachusetts Rules of Professional Conduct, which are established by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. These rules outline the ethical and professional responsibilities of attorneys practicing in the state. The Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers, in conjunction with the Office of the Bar Counsel, administers the disciplinary process when there are allegations of professional misconduct. Attorneys can face discipline for various infractions, including but not limited to, misappropriation of client funds, conflict of interest, and failure to maintain client confidentiality. Disciplinary actions can range from private reprimands to disbarment. The public can access an attorney's disciplinary history through the Board of Bar Overseers' website or by contacting them directly. It is important to verify an attorney's standing and ensure they are eligible to practice law in Massachusetts before hiring them, as hiring an attorney with a suspended or revoked license can have serious repercussions.