Once you've decided to take your grievance about an attorney to the State Bar, you need to file an attorney complaint form. Find out how to resolve a problem without going to court, file a complaint against a lawyer, and how to get money back from an unethical attorney below.Instructions for Filing a Complaint Against a California Attorney. Fill out all spaces on the California Attorney Complaint Form completely. Takes complaints against attorneys from individuals (do not need to be US citizen) and other sources. Investigates those complaints, and prosecutes attorneys. If you need to file a complaint against the LRIS program, you will need to file a complaint with the State Bar of California. To learn more about filing a complaint, click here or call the State Bar's toll-free number at 800-843-9053. The complaint analysts answer The State Bar toll-free complaint hotline number (800-843-9053), receive information and send out complaint forms. Arraignments on new complaints take place in the Edward J. Schwartz Courthouse (221 W. Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101) within 72 hours of arrest.