Ineffective assistance of counsel claims are common in criminal cases when a criminal defendant is attempting to overturn a guilty plea or conviction by trial. Ineffective assistance of counsel is primarily a legal defense used in appeals and post-conviction relief petitions (or habeas corpus motions in federal court). Since The Mississippi Bar is not a court of law, it has no jurisdiction over claims of ineffective assistance of counsel. If the client believes that an attorney has violated the Rules of Professional Conduct; however, the client may request CAP send out a Bar complaint form.