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More Than $12 Million Returned to Consumers Since Fund's Inception
The Board of Commissioners of the Clients’ Security Fund of Ohio (CSF) awarded $272,400 to 25 victims of attorney theft at its meeting Friday. Eleven former or suspended Ohio attorneys were found to have misappropriated client funds.
More information about the disciplinary cases against some of these attorneys is available on the online docket of the Supreme Court of Ohio at: http://www.supremecourtofohio.gov/clerk_of_court/ecms/searchbypartyname.asp.
Butler County
The Board reimbursed $35,518 to a former client of deceased attorney Herbert V. Walsh after a determination that Walsh failed to account for funds deposited with him as guardian of his client’s estate. Walsh died on Oct. 9, 2006.
Cuyahoga County
The Board determined that former clients of five Cuyahoga County attorneys were eligible for reimbursement. A former client of disbarred attorney Alexander Jurczenko were reimbursed $750 as a result of Jurczenko’s failure to provide the services requested. Jurczenko was permanently disbarred from the practice of law in Ohio on July 25, 2007.
Seven former clients of former attorney James L. Major Jr. were reimbursed $9,450 as a result of Major’s failure to provide the services requested. Major resigned from the practice of law in Ohio, with discipline pending, on Sept. 28, 2007.
A former client of former attorney Joseph E. Marosan was reimbursed $15,294 as a result of Marosan’s self-dealing and failure to protect his client’s interest. Marosan was permanently disbarred from the practice of law in Ohio on Aug. 7.
The CSF’s maximum award amount of $75,000 was awarded to a former client of suspended attorney J. Peter Parrish after the Board found that Parrish converted funds from a trust belonging to his client. On Aug. 7, 2007, Parrish pled guilty to aggravated theft. Parrish was subsequently suspended from the practice of law on Oct. 23, 2007.
Two former clients of former attorney Richard F. Smith Jr. were reimbursed $1,050 in fees paid for services that Smith did not provide. Smith was permanently disbarred from the practice of law in Ohio on Aug. 29, 2007.
Franklin County
The Board determined that a former client of suspended Franklin County attorney Eric J. Moesle was eligible for reimbursement of $52,550 in funds deposited with Moesle during the course of the representation. On April 4, Moesle was convicted of theft. Moesle’s license to practice law was suspended indefinitely on Nov. 2, 2005.
Hamilton County
The Board determined that eight former clients of suspended Hamilton County attorney Kenneth L. Lawson were eligible for $27,895 in reimbursement of legal fees paid to Lawson for services that he failed to provide. Lawson’s license to practice law in Ohio was suspended indefinitely on July 9.
Lucas County
The Board determined that former clients of two Lucas County attorneys were eligible for reimbursement. A former client of former attorney Gregg D. Hickman was reimbursed $1,500 in legal fees paid to Hickman for services that he failed to provide. Hickman was permanently disbarred from the practice of law in Ohio on Aug. 6.
A former client of suspended attorney Darrell V. Van Horn Jr. was reimbursed $3,393. The Board determined that Van Horn failed to account for funds received on behalf of his client. Van Horn’s license to practice law in Ohio was suspended indefinitely on March 21, 2007.
Mahoning County
The Board determined that a former client of Mahoning County attorney Richard D. Goldberg was eligible for reimbursement of $50,000. The Board’s decision was based upon the Mahoning County Probated Court’s finding that Goldberg was guilty of having embezzled, concealed or conveyed away assets belonging to his client. In August 1999, Goldberg pled guilty to charges that he defrauded at least $4.4 million from 23 clients between 1993 and 1999. Goldberg was originally sentenced to 41 months imprisonment, however his sentence was increased to 57 months because of a violation of Goldberg’s agreement with prosecutors. Goldberg was permanently disbarred from the practice of law in Ohio on Feb. 27, 2002.
The CSF was created in 1985 by the Supreme Court to reimburse victims of attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation. The CSF is not taxpayer funded, but funded entirely by registration fees paid by every Ohio attorney. Ohio has more than 35,000 attorneys engaged in the active practice of law. Less than one-tenth of 1 percent of those attorneys is involved in CSF claims.
Law clients who believe they have sustained financial losses resulting from attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation should contact the CSF by calling 614.387.9390 or toll-free in Ohio at 1.800.231.1680.
Contact Chris Davey or Bret Crow, 614.387.9250.