Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection

About the Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection

The fund can compensate clients who suffer economic loss as a result of dishonest actions by an active Kansas-licensed lawyer that occurs in the course of a lawyer-client relationship. The fund covers most cases in which lawyers have taken for their own use, or otherwise misappropriated, clients' money or other property entrusted to them.

The fund does not cover losses resulting from lawyers' negligence, fee disputes, or cases of legal malpractice. The Client Protection Fund Commission does not have the authority to discipline lawyers, resolve fee disputes, or determine legal malpractice claims.

Client Protection Fund Claim Form
Fondo de abogados para la proteccion de los clientes
Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection brochure
Supreme Court Rule 241
 

Frequently asked questions

Does lawyer dishonesty occur often in Kansas?
No. The disciplinary administrator estimates that fewer than 15 lawyers would be subject to claims annually. There are approximately 10,750 lawyers actively licensed to practice law in Kansas.

How is the fund financed?
It is financed by the lawyers of this state who pay an annual registration fee. A portion of each active lawyer's fee is placed in the client protection fund. No tax money is involved in the fund.

Who administers the fund?
The fund is administered by the Client Protection Fund Commission. The commission consists of seven members: one judge, four lawyers, and two nonlawyers.

Who can file a claim?
A person who has suffered a loss caused by the dishonest conduct of an active member of the Kansas bar that occurs in the course of a lawyer-client relationship.

What kinds of losses are compensable?
The fund covers most cases in which lawyers have taken for their own use or otherwise misappropriated clients' money or other property entrusted to them. The fund does not cover losses resulting from a lawyer's negligence, fee disputes, or cases of legal malpractice. The Client Protection Fund Commission does not have the authority to discipline lawyers, resolve fee disputes, or determine legal malpractice claims.

Are there limits to the amount a client can be reimbursed?
Yes. A limit of $125,000 is set for each claim. An aggregate limit of $350,000 is set for all claims against any one lawyer.

Is there a time limit to file?
Yes. Claims must be filed no later than one year after the claimant knew or should have known of the lawyer's dishonest conduct. The fund was established July 1, 1993, and does not cover losses incurred before that date.

Are there any fees involved?
No. The Client Protection Fund charges no fees. A claimant is not required to be represented by a lawyer to file a claim.

Where is a claim filed?
A claim is filed with the Office of the Disciplinary Administrator. Before filing a claim with the Client Protection Fund Commission, a claimant must first file an attorney disciplinary complaint. The complaint and the claim are filed with the:

Office of the Disciplinary Administrator
701 SW Jackson St., First Floor
Topeka, KS 66603

Contact

Client Protection Fund Commission
785-435-8200