The State Bar of California is alerting Alameda County consumers regarding an Oakland business that they recently seized, owned and operated by Gerald Salaam, who is alleged to have engaged in the unauthorized practice of law (UPL).
Salaam negotiated settlements and gave personal injury legal advice without a law license. The Alameda County Superior Court granted the State Bar Office of Chief Trial Counsel’s assumption motion on October 17, which allowed the State Bar to recently seize 40 boxes of client files and 2 flash drives from Salaam’s office. Salaam had an insurance adjuster license from 1983 to 2010 and was doing business as Accident Case Experts and Accident Claims Services for several decades from his 17th Street Oakland office. Among the records seized from that office were client case files, business cards, and correspondence addressed to Salaam as an attorney, “Esq.” or “JD.”
Previously, Salaam received a cease and desist notice from the State Bar, warning him he was engaged in UPL and that the State Bar could seek a court order for an assumption of his business if he did not stop. After receiving information that Salaam had disregarded the notice and continued his UPL, the State Bar launched an investigation, which led to the court order authorizing the assumption.
“California law is clear: to provide legal advice, you must be a fully licensed attorney. Consumers need to be aware of the many pitfalls of hiring someone engaged in the unauthorized practice of law,” said Cardona. “The Office of Chief Trial Counsel has a duty to protect the public and will continue to enforce the laws prohibiting UPL wherever we find it.”
Clients or former clients of Gerald Salaam seeking the return of their files may contact the State Bar’s dedicated bilingual phone number at 415-538-2514.
The State Bar has a unit dedicated to investigating and addressing the unauthorized practice of law. People who have been targeted by someone who is not licensed to practice law can file an unauthorized practice of law complaint with the State Bar. There is no cost, and U.S. citizenship is not required; the State Bar will not ask complainants about their citizenship or immigration status. The online complaint form is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
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The State Bar of California's mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system.