Apply for Reimbursement Through Client Security Fund

File Complaints & Claims

The Client Security Fund (CSF) is a discretionary fund that reimburses people who have lost money or property because of a California lawyer’s theft or dishonest conduct. The State Bar manages the program, which is funded entirely by California lawyers to protect the public and promote trust in the legal profession.

What losses qualify?

Reimbursement can be made up to $100,000 per claim, depending on when the loss occurred. Qualifying examples 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, and
  • Obtaining money or property from a client by saying it would be used for investment purposes when no investment is made.

Note: The Fund does not reimburse:

  • Losses caused by negligence, malpractice, or incompetence
  • Interest, expenses, or incidental/consequential damages (e.g., paying new legal fees)
  • Claims where you cannot prove the lawyer received the money or property

Who can apply?

You may apply if you suffered a qualifying financial loss due to your lawyer’s dishonest conduct. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen.

The Client Security Fund cannot reimburse:

  • The lawyer’s relatives (spouse or close family)
  • The lawyer’s business partners, employers, or employees
  • Government entities or agencies

How to apply

1
Review the instructions

Familiarize yourself with the instructions and checklist to make sure your application is as complete as possible.

2
Choose your preferred format
3
Submit your application

Filing is free, and no lawyer is required.

If you prefer a paper copy, 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

What happens after you apply

Once the complaint is processed, the time to process your Client Security Fund application depends on three main factors:

  • Whether the lawyer has been disciplined
  • Available evidence proving you lost money due to a lawyer’s misconduct
  • The number of pending applications already in process

We will review your application and contact you if more information is needed. The more information and documents you provide with your application, the more quickly your application can be processed. If your mailing or email address changes, please notify us immediately.

The Client Security Fund Commission, a volunteer body appointed by the State Bar’s Board of Trustees, reviews cases and decides whether to approve, partially approve, or deny reimbursement.

Decisions and appeals

  • If your claim is approved, you will receive a tentative decision. If neither you nor the lawyer objects within 30 days, the decision becomes final.
  • If you disagree with the tentative decision, you may submit a written objection to the Client Security Fund within 30 days. You must send a copy of your objection to the attorney. The Client Security Fund Commission considers all objections before issuing a final decision.
  • If you are still dissatisfied, you may request a review by your county superior court. A lawyer may assist you. Contact a Lawyer Referral Service if you need help finding one.

Receiving payment

If approved, reimbursement checks are generally issued about four to six weeks after the final decision.

  • Large checks are sent by certified mail.
  • Checks are made payable directly to the applicant (not third parties).
  • If you have a lawyer, the check is mailed to you unless you specifically instruct otherwise.

Other important steps

  • When submitting your application, be sure to attach documentation of your loss, including the attorney fee agreement and bank or credit card records that show the attorney received the money or property.
  • Filing a CSF application does not stop statutes of limitations. Continue to pursue any other remedies available to you.
  • If you have not already done so, file an attorney discipline complaint through the State Bar’s online complaint form (available in English, Español, Tiếng Việt, 한국어, русский, 中文).

Resources

More information about the Client Security Fund

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On this page

What Losses Qualify? Who Can Apply? How to Apply What Happens After You Apply Decisions and Appeals Receiving Payment Other Important Steps