Southern California Fire Victims Warned to Beware of and Report Legal Services Fraud

The State Bar of California is warning the public to beware of and report potential fraud in response to the fires in Southern California. For vulnerable fire victims who may need a wide range of legal advice, legal services fraud can be committed by nonattorneys, such as “notarios,” or by licensed lawyers.  

The public—and attorneys—should know that California law prohibits lawyers or their representatives from: 

• Soliciting clients in person or by telephone calls or other real-time electronic contact;
• Soliciting clients who have made known to the lawyer a desire not to be solicited or if the transmission of the solicitation involves intrusion, coercion, duress or harassment;
• Mailing written communications offering legal representation unless the communication is clearly labeled as an advertisement on the outside of the envelope; and
• Sending recorded or electronic communications offering legal representation unless the communication is clearly labeled as an advertisement at the beginning and end of any such communications. 

Before hiring an attorney, Californians should check the State Bar website for the status of an attorney's license to practice law and whether they have any record of discipline.  

Do not rush important legal decisions  The legal processes for a disaster of this magnitude often will take place over many months, and even years. The State Bar urges the public not to sign any legal agreements in haste, and to be particularly wary of any claims that immediate payment of legal fees or other costs are necessary to protect legal rights or remedies. There is time for fire victims to ensure they are getting the best legal services possible for them and their families.   

For more assistance 

• Legal Help After a Disaster 
• How to Avoid Legal Services Fraud

To report legal fraud 

• Attorney misconduct complaint form
• Unauthorized practice of law complaint form (for nonattorneys) 

You can also call the State Bar's multilingual Contact Center at 800-843-9053 for help filing a complaint. 

Relief Resources 

• FEMA Disaster Assistance: Apply for FEMA support to cover housing, repairs, and other essential needs. (Details below) DisasterAssistance.gov.
• United Policyholders: Support for consumers navigating insurance claims and related issues. Visit UPHelp.org.
• Statewide legal assistance hotline: 888-382-3406. Disaster legal services for anyone impacted by the wildfires. No hours because it takes messages. No income limits; free to everyone.
• Disaster Legal Services California: Comprehensive information and legal resources for wildfire survivors, including help with insurance, housing, and consumer protection. Visit DisasterLegalServicesCA.org. 

The State Bar does not represent clients or refer them to a particular attorney. However, we encourage the public to use the resources below to help secure legal representation.  

• Need Legal Help
• Certified Lawyer Referral Service. The search function allows the public to select language preference, county, and area of law. Those without access to the internet may call the State Bar Contact Center for assistance at 800-843-9053. 

Original source can be found here.