Did Your Lawyer Steal From You?
Did your lawyer steal from you? There may be a solution for you. If they have insurance or assets, we can make a claim against them for you and certainly sue them for you if necessary.
Most cases settle, going to trial is rare. But if the thief has no insurance or limited assets, the Connecticut Client Security Fund has been established to provide reimbursement to individuals who have lost money or property as a result of dishonest conduct of an attorney practicing law in the state of Connecticut, in the course of an attorney-client relationship.
This fund only provides a remedy for clients who are unable to obtain reimbursement from any other source.
Key Points
- Consistent communication with your lawyer is essential. If your attorney stops responding for an extended period, this may be a red flag worth addressing directly or formally.
- You have the right to fire your lawyer. If your attorney is unresponsive, negligent, or harming your case, you are legally entitled to end the relationship and find new representation.
- Document everything and consider contacting the state bar. Keep records of emails, calls, and case updates, and if necessary, file a complaint with the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee.
Key Points
- Unresponsive communication may be legal malpractice. If your attorney consistently ignores calls or emails, it could compromise your case and your rights.
- You are allowed to fire your attorney at any time. You have the right to choose legal representation that communicates clearly and advocates for you.
- Keep records and consider filing a grievance. Save all correspondence and, if necessary, submit a complaint to the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee.
Key Points
- If your lawyer is not communicating with you, it could seriously impact your case. Persistent unresponsiveness may signal professional misconduct or neglect.
- You have the right to fire your attorney at any point. If communication breaks down, you can and should find representation that meets your needs.
- Document communication issues and consider filing a grievance. The Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee accepts complaints about attorney misconduct, including lack of communication.
Key Points
- Consistent communication is a basic obligation of any attorney. If your lawyer isn’t returning calls or emails, this may justify taking action.
- You can fire your lawyer at any time. When communication breaks down, replacing counsel may protect your case and your peace of mind.
- Track all correspondence and consider reporting issues. If the problem continues, the Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee can investigate attorney misconduct.
- Consistent communication is a professional duty. If your attorney is not returning calls or emails, it may indicate neglect or ethical violations.
- You have the right to terminate your attorney at any time. Switching lawyers can protect your case if communication is breaking down.
- Keep documentation and consider filing a grievance. The Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee investigates attorney misconduct, including chronic unresponsiveness.
Key Points
- If your lawyer is not communicating with you, it could seriously impact your case. Persistent unresponsiveness may signal professional misconduct or neglect.
- You have the right to fire your attorney at any point. If communication breaks down, you can and should find representation that meets your needs.
- Document communication issues and consider filing a grievance. The Connecticut Statewide Grievance Committee accepts complaints about attorney misconduct, including lack of communication.
Key Points
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The Judicial Committee
The judicial committee charged with reviewing the claims and administering the funds consists of fifteen members from a variety of professions within the legal field.
This committee was established in 1999 and is selected every three years by the chief justice. This committee is responsible for receiving, investigating, and evaluating claims for reimbursement, determining the amount of reimbursement and prosecuting claims for restitution against attorneys whose conduct resulted in disbursements. CT Prac. Book §2-73(b,c,d).
The Fund
The Fund is financed by a $75 fee collected from all attorneys admitted to practice law in Connecticut. While this fund has the potential to make some wronged clients whole, it has a very narrow scope, only allowing reimbursement for claims of dishonest conduct as defined by CT Prac. Book §2-69.
Dishonest conduct means “wrongful acts committed by an attorney, in an attorney-client relationship or in a fiduciary capacity arising out of an attorney-client relationship, in the nature of theft or embezzlement of money or the wrongful taking or conversion of money, property, or other things of value, including, but not limited to refusal to refund unearned fees received in advance as required by Rule 1.16 (d) of the Rules of Professional Conduct.” CT Prac. Book §2-69.
There is also a list of losses that are not eligible for reimbursement:
- a loss resulting from investment services provided by an attorney;
- loss suffered by a close relative, business associate, partner, or employee of the attorney who caused the loss;
- or a loss that was a result of malpractice or negligence.
If the loss is reported than four years after it was discovered or should’ve been discovered, it won’t be eligible.
We Can Help
If after reading this, dishonest conduct looks like something you think you have been a victim of a dishonest lawyer, contact the StangerLaw LLC.
We have many years of legal malpractice experience and are eager to help you.
