What is required if you know a violation has occurred?

When you know that a violation of professional conduct has occurred, the most appropriate action is to report the violation to the state disciplinary board with your name included. This aligns with the ethical obligation of lawyers to uphold the integrity of the profession and ensures that appropriate action can be taken against misconduct.

Reporting a violation is crucial for maintaining the standards of the legal profession. The disciplinary board is responsible for investigating complaints against attorneys and enforcing professional conduct rules. Submitting a named report provides the board with the information and context they need to act on the violation effectively.

While there might be scenarios in which anonymity could be considered, most jurisdictions have a clear expectation that individuals reporting professional misconduct do so with transparency, particularly for serious violations. Providing your name can lend credibility to the report and allows for follow-up if additional information is needed.

In contrast, ignoring the violation undermines the integrity of the legal system and fails to protect the public interest. Discussing the issue with other lawyers before taking action does not fulfill the obligation to report and could lead to further complicating matters or even counseling against taking necessary steps. Reporting anonymously to the local bar association generally does not provide the same level of accountability or thorough investigation as directly informing the disciplinary board.