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 Ohio, the professional conduct of attorneys is regulated by the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct, which are established by the Supreme Court of Ohio. These rules outline the ethical obligations and standards for attorneys practicing in the state. The Ohio State Bar Association, along with the Office of Disciplinary Counsel and the Board of Professional Conduct, administers the disciplinary process. Attorneys can face discipline for various infractions, such as neglect of a legal matter, conflict of interest, or misappropriation of client funds. The consequences of such discipline can range from public reprimand to disbarment. Individuals can check an attorney's disciplinary history through the Supreme Court of Ohio's Attorney Services Portal or by contacting the Ohio State Bar Association. It is important to ensure that any attorney you consider hiring is in good standing and eligible to practice law in Ohio, as hiring an attorney with a suspended or revoked license can have serious repercussions for your legal matters.