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 Rhode Island, the professional conduct of attorneys is regulated by the Rhode Island Rules of Professional Conduct, which are established by the Rhode Island Supreme Court. These rules outline the ethical obligations and standards for attorneys practicing in the state. The Rhode Island Bar Association, through its Disciplinary Board, administers the disciplinary process when there are allegations of professional misconduct. Attorneys in Rhode Island can face discipline for various reasons, including but not limited to non-payment of bar dues, misappropriation of client funds, or other breaches of ethical standards. The consequences of such discipline can range from reprimands to suspension or disbarment, depending on the severity of the misconduct. Individuals can check an attorney's disciplinary history through the Rhode Island Bar Association's website or by contacting the association directly. It is important to ensure that any attorney you consider hiring is in good standing and is currently eligible to practice law in Rhode Island. Hiring an attorney who has been suspended or disbarred and is thus ineligible to practice is not advisable.