The Hawaii Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection is a state bar program established by the Hawai’i Supreme Court to reimburse clients who have suffered financial losses due to theft or dishonest conduct by their attorneys. Funded entirely by Hawaii lawyers, it serves as a vital safety net, reinforcing trust in the legal profession and providing recourse when ethical standards are breached.
The Fund assists individuals who have experienced attorney misconduct such as failure to perform services after payment, abandonment of cases, or refusal to return funds after disbarment. Its dedicated staff offers guidance through the claims process, ensuring that eligible clients receive support and compensation for validated losses, thereby protecting the public and upholding the integrity of the legal system.
Services Offered
- Reimbursement for financial losses due to attorney theft or dishonesty
- Assistance with claims related to paid but unperformed legal services
- Support for clients abandoned by their attorneys
- Guidance on claims involving disbarred attorneys who withhold client funds
- Claim form provision and submission assistance
- Eligibility assessment and consultation via phone
This program is available to clients of Hawaii-based attorneys and operates under the authority of the Hawai’i Supreme Court, focusing exclusively on claims arising from attorney misconduct within the state.
