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 West Virginia, the professional conduct of attorneys is regulated by the West Virginia Rules of Professional Conduct, which are established by the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. These rules outline the ethical and professional responsibilities of attorneys practicing in the state. The West Virginia State Bar is the organization responsible for the administration of the disciplinary process when there are allegations of professional misconduct. Attorneys can face discipline for various reasons, including but not limited to, failure to pay bar dues, misappropriation of client funds, or other ethical breaches. The severity of the discipline can range from reprimands to disbarment, depending on the infraction. It is important for clients to check an attorney's disciplinary history before hiring them, which can be done through the West Virginia State Bar's website or by contacting the Bar directly. An attorney who has had their license suspended or revoked is not permitted to practice law in West Virginia, and clients should avoid hiring such individuals for legal representation.