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 Montana, the professional conduct of attorneys is regulated by the Montana Rules of Professional Conduct, which are established by the Montana Supreme Court. These rules outline the ethical obligations and standards for attorneys practicing in the state. The State Bar of Montana is responsible for enforcing these rules and administering the disciplinary process. Attorneys can face discipline for various infractions, such as neglecting their duties, misusing client funds, or failing to pay bar dues. The Montana Office of Disciplinary Counsel investigates complaints against attorneys and can recommend disciplinary actions, which may include reprimand, suspension, or disbarment. It is important for clients to check an attorney's disciplinary history before hiring them, which can be done through the State Bar of Montana's website or by contacting the bar association directly. Hiring an attorney who has been suspended or disbarred and is thus ineligible to practice law in Montana is not advisable.