All the bad lawyer jokes aside, many of us have had contact with or know someone who has had contact with an unethical lawyer at one time. Lawyers enjoy exceptional advantages and power in our society and this power can often be abused. Because of this, State Bars have been given authority by the legislatures to regulate and discipline lawyers when their behavior crosses the line into unethical conduct and more. Lawyers may receive minor penalties up to even losing their license to practice law in your state.