Clint advises and defends D.C. and Virginia lawyers and law firms in disciplinary matters, bar complaints, and lawyers’ professional liability claims and suits.

As a former assistant disciplinary counsel and as a practicing trial attorney for over 20 years, Clint has seen what a bar complaint or legal malpractice claim can do to an attorney’s reputation and livelihood. If you are an attorney facing such a crisis, even if you believe the complaint is meritless, Clint wants to help you clarify and understand the issues you are facing, and help you resolve those issues as effectively and efficiently as possible.


Clinton Shaw will not provide any information about represented matters (even if they are closed). Bar complaints are confidential. The majority of bar complaints result in outcomes that do not result in public discipline. Out of an abundance of discretion, we avoid descriptions of actual disciplinary matters on our website or anywhere else.

AS A LAWYER YOUR REPUTATION AND LICENSE TO PRACTICE ARE YOUR MOST IMPORTANT ASSETS.

You already know this and you act accordingly 99% of the time … but you cannot prevent another person from lodging a complaint against you. You can only control your own actions. Below are some tips to avoid bar complaints, and how to deal with one if you cannot avoid it.

How Best Do I Avoid a Bar Complaint?

Read the Rules
Never Forget the Golden Rule

What If Someone Complains to the Bar About Me?

Open and Read the Letter Immediately
Check Your Insurance Policy
Consult a Lawyer