Fix your problem or mistake before it escalates into a complaint. Last year I wrote a white paper on how to deal with State Bar disciplinary matters. It walks the reader step-by-step through the Bar complaint process, from initial response through (heaven forbid) embarrassing public sanctions from the Georgia Supreme Court. I also write and speak about best practices for maintaining an ethical practice and keeping clear of the Georgia Bar disciplinary process. A recent client meeting reminded me of the often-overlooked period of time between when an attorney discovers an error or mistake and the client subsequently files a Bar complaint. How you react and respond when you first learn of a mistake can be critical to your client's satisfaction, your reputation, and potentially your ability to practice law.