Ethics Line
Ask a Question
If you have an ethics or compliance question or an inquiry regarding a company policy, you can ask anonymously and confidentially.
Example Question:
Can I accept a gift from a vendor our organization is considering doing business with?
Check Status
You can check the status of your report or question using the access number and password you created when you submitted the report or question.
Call Us
If you would prefer to speak to someone confidentially, call us and one of our representatives would be happy to assist you.
Call (800) 461-9330 | Text: (872) 276 9794
If you are dialing internationally choose your location from the list below for the international number assigned to your country. If your country is not listed click here for additional instructions.
Please note this is not an emergency service. Contact your local authorities if this is a life threatening issue.
International dialing instructions
This is not an emergency line. If you are reporting an emergency, please contact the appropriate emergency service or law enforcement within your specific region or country
International Dialing
If your country is not listed, use the following number for a collect call/reverse charge call. Operator assistance may be required and local charges may apply:+1-720-514-4400
When dialing internationally please ensure you are using the appropriate exit and country codes specific to your location and where you are dialing.
This is not an emergency line. If you are reporting an emergency, please contact the appropriate emergency service or law enforcement within your specific region or country
The ABA Ethics Line – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Ethics Line?
A: The ABA Ethics Line is an internet, telephone, and SMS-based tool operated by an independent third party that allows employees, members, and contractors to confidentially and anonymously make a report or request advice concerning contemplated or actual conduct that raises or may raise ethical issues or that potentially implicates or violates the ABA’s Business Conduct Standards (“BCS”).
Q:... Continue reading...
A: The ABA Ethics Line is an internet, telephone, and SMS-based tool operated by an independent third party that allows employees, members, and contractors to confidentially and anonymously make a report or request advice concerning contemplated or actual conduct that raises or may raise ethical issues or that potentially implicates or violates the ABA’s Business Conduct Standards (“BCS”).
Q:... Continue reading...
The ABA Ethics Line – Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the American Bar Association (“ABA”) Ethics Line?
A: The ABA Ethics Line is an internet, telephone, and SMS-based tool operated by an independent third party that allows employees, members, and contractors to confidentially and anonymously make a report or request advice concerning contemplated or actual conduct that raises or may raise ethical issues or that potentially implicates or violates the ABA’s Business Conduct Standards (“BCS”).
Q: Where can I find a copy of the BCS?
A: The BCS is available on the intranet (for employees) and online (linked below).
Q: Why do we have the ABA Ethics Line?
A: The ABA is committed to conducting business the right way – respectfully, with integrity, and in full compliance with law. We believe that open channels of communication with our employees, members, and contractors will help us uphold that commitment and maintain a healthy and productive environment. We recognize that speaking up is not always easy, and so we want to make the decision to share your concern as simple as possible, which is why we are providing this confidential and anonymous way to do so.
Q: Who may share a concern through the ABA Ethics Line?
A: Any ABA employee, member, or contractor who finds themselves in a situation that may raise legal or ethical issues or that is identified in the BCS, may report concerns through the ABA Ethics Line. Any other individual who has knowledge about actual or suspected misconduct involving ABA business may also report concerns through the ABA Ethics Line.
Q: What is the difference between “Ask a Question” and “Report an Incident”?
A: “Ask a Question” is better suited for inquiries that implicate the BCS, such as whether you can accept a gift from a member, whether you can be employed outside of the ABA, or whether a family member can be awarded a contract. “Report an Incident” is better suited for situations where you believe a violation of the BCS or some other type of misconduct has occurred.
Q: What type of concerns should I report through the ABA Ethics Line?
A: You should report any actual or suspected instances of misconduct or violations of the BCS, our policies or procedures, or a law or regulation. For example, we would like you to share concerns about harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts of interest, theft, contractor mismanagement, threats of violence, unsafe working environment (including abuse or exploitation), accounting irregularities, or fraud.
Q: Should I raise a concern about a co-worker, member, or contractor?
A: Yes, the ABA’s reputation depends on every individual who is performing services or conducting business for or on behalf of the ABA complying with the BCS, and all of us have a duty to speak up when we are concerned that someone is not acting in compliance with the BCS. Raising concerns protects the well-being of ABA employees, members, and contractors, and helps the ABA respond to problems as soon as possible.
Q: Is it better to make my report through the website, by phone, or by text message (SMS)?
A: It is your preference and makes no difference whether you make your report through the website, by phone, or by SMS. The call center agents will follow the same steps for filing a report that you would go through on the website, and either way, your concern will be received confidentially, anonymously (if you choose), and routed to only specific individuals within the ABA who are responsible for evaluating the information you provided.
Q: What should I say in my report? Can I attach documents or photos?
A: Your report should contain as many important details as possible. Describe what happened, who was involved, when, where, why and how. Be as specific as possible - include names and dates if you know them. Specify whether you have personal knowledge of the situation (and how), or if you heard about it from someone else. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the ABA to review or investigate your concern. Documents and photos can be attached to reports submitted through the website and/or added to reports submitted by phone or SMS once you have received your case number and password.
Q: If I report my concern anonymously, will the ABA be able to discover who I am?
A: There is no way for the ABA to trace a report to determine your identity. The outside, independent vendor who manages the ABA Ethics Line does not use caller ID, record the calls, or collect computer IP addresses. The ABA is interested in resolving a concern, not trying to determine who might have reported it.
Q: If I raise a concern, will my manager or co-workers, or anyone that I have accused find out who made the report?
A: The ABA’s goal is to review every report thoroughly, impartially, and as confidentially as possible, although absolute confidentiality of the report and the identity of the reporter cannot be guaranteed. To assist in this effort and to assist in maintaining the integrity of the investigation process, you should refrain from discussing your report with others.
Q: What happens after I submit my report?
A: All reports submitted through the ABA Ethics Line are routed to only specific individuals within the ABA’s Ethics Office who are responsible for reviewing the information you provided. The members of the ABA’s Ethics Office are the ABA’s General Counsel, Division Director of Human Resources, and other representatives of the Office of General Counsel or Human Resources. All members of the Ethics Office have vast experience in reviewing matters and conducting investigations in a thorough, impartial, and confidential manner. In addition, the outside independent vendor who manages the ABA Ethics Line, ensures that no report is ever shared with implicated parties, their peers, or subordinates.
Q: Will I hear about the progress or resolution of my report?
A: If you make a report through the ABA Ethics Line, even anonymously, you will be able to create a unique password. With this password and your case identifier, you can access a message board to communicate with the ABA for a status update and to provide additional information that may be necessary for proper investigation of your concern. Please note, however, that for confidentiality reasons, the ABA cannot disclose the details or disciplinary results with anyone other than the individual(s) involved.
Q: Will I face retaliation for raising a concern to the ABA Ethics Line or through another channel?
A: No. The ABA does not tolerate and prohibits retaliation against anyone for reporting or participating in the investigation of any complaint. Anyone found to have engaged in retaliation is subject to disciplinary action. If at any time you believe you have been subject to retaliation for raising a concern to the ABA Ethics Line or for participating in the investigation of a concern raised to the ABA Ethics Line, please immediately report it through the ABA Ethics Line so it can be properly investigated.
A: The ABA Ethics Line is an internet, telephone, and SMS-based tool operated by an independent third party that allows employees, members, and contractors to confidentially and anonymously make a report or request advice concerning contemplated or actual conduct that raises or may raise ethical issues or that potentially implicates or violates the ABA’s Business Conduct Standards (“BCS”).
Q: Where can I find a copy of the BCS?
A: The BCS is available on the intranet (for employees) and online (linked below).
Q: Why do we have the ABA Ethics Line?
A: The ABA is committed to conducting business the right way – respectfully, with integrity, and in full compliance with law. We believe that open channels of communication with our employees, members, and contractors will help us uphold that commitment and maintain a healthy and productive environment. We recognize that speaking up is not always easy, and so we want to make the decision to share your concern as simple as possible, which is why we are providing this confidential and anonymous way to do so.
Q: Who may share a concern through the ABA Ethics Line?
A: Any ABA employee, member, or contractor who finds themselves in a situation that may raise legal or ethical issues or that is identified in the BCS, may report concerns through the ABA Ethics Line. Any other individual who has knowledge about actual or suspected misconduct involving ABA business may also report concerns through the ABA Ethics Line.
Q: What is the difference between “Ask a Question” and “Report an Incident”?
A: “Ask a Question” is better suited for inquiries that implicate the BCS, such as whether you can accept a gift from a member, whether you can be employed outside of the ABA, or whether a family member can be awarded a contract. “Report an Incident” is better suited for situations where you believe a violation of the BCS or some other type of misconduct has occurred.
Q: What type of concerns should I report through the ABA Ethics Line?
A: You should report any actual or suspected instances of misconduct or violations of the BCS, our policies or procedures, or a law or regulation. For example, we would like you to share concerns about harassment, discrimination, retaliation, conflicts of interest, theft, contractor mismanagement, threats of violence, unsafe working environment (including abuse or exploitation), accounting irregularities, or fraud.
Q: Should I raise a concern about a co-worker, member, or contractor?
A: Yes, the ABA’s reputation depends on every individual who is performing services or conducting business for or on behalf of the ABA complying with the BCS, and all of us have a duty to speak up when we are concerned that someone is not acting in compliance with the BCS. Raising concerns protects the well-being of ABA employees, members, and contractors, and helps the ABA respond to problems as soon as possible.
Q: Is it better to make my report through the website, by phone, or by text message (SMS)?
A: It is your preference and makes no difference whether you make your report through the website, by phone, or by SMS. The call center agents will follow the same steps for filing a report that you would go through on the website, and either way, your concern will be received confidentially, anonymously (if you choose), and routed to only specific individuals within the ABA who are responsible for evaluating the information you provided.
Q: What should I say in my report? Can I attach documents or photos?
A: Your report should contain as many important details as possible. Describe what happened, who was involved, when, where, why and how. Be as specific as possible - include names and dates if you know them. Specify whether you have personal knowledge of the situation (and how), or if you heard about it from someone else. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for the ABA to review or investigate your concern. Documents and photos can be attached to reports submitted through the website and/or added to reports submitted by phone or SMS once you have received your case number and password.
Q: If I report my concern anonymously, will the ABA be able to discover who I am?
A: There is no way for the ABA to trace a report to determine your identity. The outside, independent vendor who manages the ABA Ethics Line does not use caller ID, record the calls, or collect computer IP addresses. The ABA is interested in resolving a concern, not trying to determine who might have reported it.
Q: If I raise a concern, will my manager or co-workers, or anyone that I have accused find out who made the report?
A: The ABA’s goal is to review every report thoroughly, impartially, and as confidentially as possible, although absolute confidentiality of the report and the identity of the reporter cannot be guaranteed. To assist in this effort and to assist in maintaining the integrity of the investigation process, you should refrain from discussing your report with others.
Q: What happens after I submit my report?
A: All reports submitted through the ABA Ethics Line are routed to only specific individuals within the ABA’s Ethics Office who are responsible for reviewing the information you provided. The members of the ABA’s Ethics Office are the ABA’s General Counsel, Division Director of Human Resources, and other representatives of the Office of General Counsel or Human Resources. All members of the Ethics Office have vast experience in reviewing matters and conducting investigations in a thorough, impartial, and confidential manner. In addition, the outside independent vendor who manages the ABA Ethics Line, ensures that no report is ever shared with implicated parties, their peers, or subordinates.
Q: Will I hear about the progress or resolution of my report?
A: If you make a report through the ABA Ethics Line, even anonymously, you will be able to create a unique password. With this password and your case identifier, you can access a message board to communicate with the ABA for a status update and to provide additional information that may be necessary for proper investigation of your concern. Please note, however, that for confidentiality reasons, the ABA cannot disclose the details or disciplinary results with anyone other than the individual(s) involved.
Q: Will I face retaliation for raising a concern to the ABA Ethics Line or through another channel?
A: No. The ABA does not tolerate and prohibits retaliation against anyone for reporting or participating in the investigation of any complaint. Anyone found to have engaged in retaliation is subject to disciplinary action. If at any time you believe you have been subject to retaliation for raising a concern to the ABA Ethics Line or for participating in the investigation of a concern raised to the ABA Ethics Line, please immediately report it through the ABA Ethics Line so it can be properly investigated.
We are One ABA
Dear Colleagues, Members, and Contractors,
The mission of the American Bar Association (“ABA”) is to serve equally our members, our profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession. It is particularly important that every individual working on ABA business -- whether an employee, member, volunteer, or contractor – lead by example by adhering to the highest ethical and legal standards and by... Continue reading...
The mission of the American Bar Association (“ABA”) is to serve equally our members, our profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession. It is particularly important that every individual working on ABA business -- whether an employee, member, volunteer, or contractor – lead by example by adhering to the highest ethical and legal standards and by... Continue reading...
We are One ABA
Dear Colleagues, Members, and Contractors,
The mission of the American Bar Association (“ABA”) is to serve equally our members, our profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession. It is particularly important that every individual working on ABA business -- whether an employee, member, volunteer, or contractor – lead by example by adhering to the highest ethical and legal standards and by demonstrating integrity, professionalism and respect for others and the law in all their actions.
The ABA expects all individuals who perform services or conduct business for or on behalf of the ABA to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ABA policies when conducting ABA business -- and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in their actions. We pride ourselves by remaining steadfast and committed to respectful, equitable, courteous, and professional business practices.
An essential aspect of this commitment is responding when our Business Conduct Standards (“BCS”), our policies, or a law, or regulation may have been violated. When you become aware or suspect that misconduct may have occurred, we expect you to speak up and share your concerns.
We recognize that advising authorities of possible inappropriate actions may not always be easy. We want to make the decision to share your concerns as simple as possible, which is why we are providing a confidential and anonymous way to do so. You can also be assured that your concerns will be handled discreetly, and that you will not be subjected to retaliation or intimidation for reporting a concern in good faith.
Your courage and integrity in sharing your concerns will help ensure the mission of the ABA is accomplished the right way.
Alpha M. Brady | ABA Executive Director
The mission of the American Bar Association (“ABA”) is to serve equally our members, our profession, and the public by defending liberty and delivering justice as the national representative of the legal profession. It is particularly important that every individual working on ABA business -- whether an employee, member, volunteer, or contractor – lead by example by adhering to the highest ethical and legal standards and by demonstrating integrity, professionalism and respect for others and the law in all their actions.
The ABA expects all individuals who perform services or conduct business for or on behalf of the ABA to comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and ABA policies when conducting ABA business -- and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in their actions. We pride ourselves by remaining steadfast and committed to respectful, equitable, courteous, and professional business practices.
An essential aspect of this commitment is responding when our Business Conduct Standards (“BCS”), our policies, or a law, or regulation may have been violated. When you become aware or suspect that misconduct may have occurred, we expect you to speak up and share your concerns.
We recognize that advising authorities of possible inappropriate actions may not always be easy. We want to make the decision to share your concerns as simple as possible, which is why we are providing a confidential and anonymous way to do so. You can also be assured that your concerns will be handled discreetly, and that you will not be subjected to retaliation or intimidation for reporting a concern in good faith.
Your courage and integrity in sharing your concerns will help ensure the mission of the ABA is accomplished the right way.
Alpha M. Brady | ABA Executive Director