Trial News

NJ Lawyers' Fund For Client Protection

During the fourth quarter of 2006, the New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, funded by the state's lawyers and judges, awarded $1,179,686.13 to clients for losses caused by 23 lawyers, the Board of Trustees announced today.

The Fund's purpose is to pay on behalf of the honest majority of lawyers for the wrongdoing of the few who are suspended or disbarred for misappropriation. The Fund was created by the New Jersey State Bar Association in 1961, with voluntary contributions from practicing lawyers as a commitment to high standards in the profession. In 1969, the Supreme Court established an annual attorney assessment that now generates about $2.75 million for the Fund each year.

In its 37-year history, the Fund has paid claims against 593 attorneys, approximately three-quarters of one percent of the 79,717 lawyers currently licensed in New Jersey.

Seven Trustees, five attorneys and two public members, administer the Fund serving staggered 5-year terms without compensation. They are appointed by the Supreme Court to consider clients' claims and make awards when it is determined that the loss was caused by dishonest lawyer conduct, under Fund rules. Cases involving legal malpractice and negligence are handled through Civil Court actions and fee disputes through the District Fee Arbitration Committees established by the Supreme Court. Read more at judiciary.state.nj.us.

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