State Bar Unveils New Consumer Pamphlets and Information as Part of National Consumer Protection Week Wednesday, March 4, 2020 Categories: News Releases As part of National Consumer Protection Week March 1–7, the State Bar of California has published an updated and expanded set of consumer pamphlets in multiple languages and updated the consumer protection section of its website. “The State Bar's mission is protecting the public, which includes furthering Californians’ access to legal services,” said Donna Hershkowitz, Interim Executive Director. “We want to make sure consumers are armed with the best information on finding legal help, avoiding fraud, and knowing how to report misconduct. We are also proud to offer legal services resources for groups with special needs, including veterans and active duty military, immigrants, seniors, and those who need legal services in the wake of disasters.” The legal guide pamphlets, available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Vietnamese, include: What Consumers Should Know Before Hiring An Attorney Avoiding and Resolving Problems with Your Attorney The Client Security Fund Legal Resources for Seniors Legal Assistance for Immigrants Avoiding Immigration/Notario Fraud Legal Resources for Veterans and Service Members Legal Assistance After a Disaster The public section of the State Bar website has been refreshed, making it easier for consumers to find free legal information that expands on these topics and others. The refresh also makes it easier for consumers to view by county the most recent attorney disciplinary actions as well as cease-and-desist notices sent to businesses for practicing law without a license. The State Bar’s online complaint forms for attorney misconduct and nonattorney unauthorized practice of law are also available in multiple languages. Consumer protection tips and resources Here are a few examples of the consumer tips, tools, and guidance available on the State Bar website: Avoid scams The State Bar is working with law enforcement on cases of attorney identity theft. While these scams take many forms, the most recent scams involve timeshare sales. Timeshare scammers use a California attorney’s name and bar number to set up a bogus law firm. The scammer contacts a victim with an offer to buy their timeshare. The purchase price is agreed to, then the victim is told to wire funds to the attorney, at a false address, to get the deal under way. After payment, both the funds and scammers disappear. The victims can be out considerable sums of money, and the real attorney, who was not responsible for the scam, becomes a secondary victim. Consumer tip: If a third party “introduces” you to an attorney, look up the attorney’s profile on the State Bar website. Make sure the contact information—address, telephone number, email address—matches. Contact the attorney directly to confirm that they are aware of the deal and have not been a victim of identity theft. Finding legal help The State Bar certifies lawyer referral services run by local bar associations, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses. These services match client needs with attorneys and arrange an initial consultation, which typically costs a small fee. Consumer tip: Start with the State Bar’s online directory of certified lawyer referral services. Legal aid for immigrants The State Bar seeks out and works with law enforcement and the courts to halt predatory legal services by those not licensed to practice law, including unscrupulous “consultants,” “advisers,” and “notarios,” who prey on newcomers who may not understand English well or are otherwise vulnerable to being taken advantage of by unscrupulous people because of the desperate nature of their situation. Immigrants can suffer extraordinary consequences as a result of this behavior, from losing their money to jeopardizing their prospects of gaining documented status and even being deported to a situation where their life may be put at risk. Consumer tip: The State Bar’s notario fraud pamphlet is available in multiple languages. The agency also offers lists by county of legitimate organizations that provide legal aid for immigrants. The lists are available in both English and Spanish. ### Follow the State Bar online Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram 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. Previous Article Next Article