The Client Security Fund is a fund that can reimburse clients who have lost money or property due to theft or dishonesty by a California lawyer. It is a State Bar program funded entirely by California lawyers.
Download an application: English (PDF version) | Spanish (Español)
The fund can reimburse up to $100,000, depending on when the loss occurred. It does not reimburse a loss if the lawyer acted incompetently or failed to take a certain action. Typical losses include:
The fund does not reimburse interest, expenses or incidental or consequential losses caused by the attorney, such as fees paid to another attorney or damages caused by the attorney’s malpractice, negligence or incompetence. You must show that the attorney received the money or property.
If you meet the criteria, you can file an applicant to be reimbursed. You do not have to be a United States citizen to apply.
However, there are certain exclusions: If you are the spouse or close relative or the lawyer’s business partner, employer or employee or a business controlled by the lawyer, the fund cannot reimburse you. The fund cannot reimburse for losses suffered by government entities or agencies.
The Client Security Fund Commission decides if you qualify for reimbursement and whether part or all of the application will be paid. The commission is made up of five volunteers – three lawyers and two non-lawyers – appointed by the State Bar’s Board of Trustees.
Application forms are available online. You may also write or call:
The State Bar of California Client Security Fund 845 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515 213-765-1140 clientsecurityfund@calbar.ca.gov
Filing an application is free. You do not need a lawyer to apply.
If you have not already done so, you need to file a discipline complaint against the lawyer. The online complaint form is available on the State Bar website in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Russian, and Chinese. You may also write or call toll-free:
The State Bar of California Intake Unit 845 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515 800-843-9053
Client Security Fund The State Bar of California 845 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515 213-765-1140 clientsecurityfund@calbar.ca.gov
How to file an application
Client Security Fund application process