In Kentucky, what initiates the investigation of an ethics violation?

In Kentucky, the investigation of an ethics violation is primarily initiated by the filing of complaints. This means that when an individual, such as a client, another attorney, or a member of the public, believes that an attorney has violated the rules of ethics, they can formally submit a complaint to the appropriate regulatory body, such as the Kentucky Bar Association. The filing of a complaint officially puts the matter in motion, prompting an investigation into the allegations made against the attorney.

While other options, such as media inquiries, voluntary disclosures, and private consultations, may raise awareness or highlight potential issues, they do not directly trigger an official investigation. Media inquiries might bring issues to light, but they do not create a mechanism for formal review. Similarly, voluntary disclosures by attorneys may reflect a commitment to transparency, but they rely on the attorney's initiative rather than an external complaint process. Private consultations between attorneys are typically discussions between peers and do not constitute formal complaints or initiate investigations into ethics violations. Therefore, the formal complaint process is the critical first step in investigating ethics violations in Kentucky.