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 Vermont, the professional conduct of attorneys is regulated by the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct, which are established by the Vermont Supreme Court. The Vermont Bar Association, through its Professional Responsibility Program, administers the disciplinary process. Attorneys in Vermont can face discipline for various reasons, including but not limited to non-payment of bar dues, misappropriation of client funds, or other ethical violations. The specific grounds for discipline are outlined in the Vermont Rules of Professional Conduct. If an attorney is disciplined, depending on the severity of the misconduct, they may face sanctions ranging from a reprimand to suspension or disbarment, making them ineligible to practice law. Individuals can check an attorney's disciplinary history through the Vermont 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 eligible to practice law in Vermont. Hiring an attorney who has been suspended or disbarred is not advisable, as they are not permitted to practice law in the state.