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Seal of The State Bar of California The State Bar of California

Client Security Fund

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What is the Client Security Fund?

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)

What losses qualify?

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:

  • theft of personal injury settlement funds or other funds entrusted to the lawyer
  • failure to refund fees when the lawyer performed no services
  • borrowing money from a client without the intention or the ability to repay it
  • obtaining money or property from a client by saying it would be used for investment purposes when no investment is made.

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.

Who can apply?

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. T he fund cannot reimburse for losses suffered by government entities or agencies.

Who decides whether an application will be paid?

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 seven volunteers – four lawyers and three non-lawyers – appointed by the State Bar’s Board of Trustees.

How can I apply?

Application forms are available online. You may also write or call:

The State Bar of California
Client Security Fund
845 S. Figueroa St.
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.

What other steps should I take?

If you have not already done so, you need to file a discipline complaint against the lawyer. The complaint form is available on the State Bar website in English and Spanish. You may also write or call toll-free:

The State Bar of California
Intake Unit
845 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515
800-843-9053

Contact

Client Security Fund
The State Bar of California
845 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2515
213-765-1140
clientsecurityfund@calbar.ca.gov

Related links

How to file an application

Client Security Fund application process

Client Security Fund rules
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