A common misunderstanding is the role of “bar associations” which, in most states, is merely a professional organization. There are some in which the “bar association” licenses lawyers.

In most states, lawyers are licensed under the authority of the highest court in the state, which authorizes a particular code of conduct and appoints a body to oversee violations of that code.

Since federal courts do not license lawyers, they must refer findings of misconduct to the appropriate state body for whatever action that body believes to be appropriate.