The Board of Commissioners of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection reimbursed $197,207  to seven clients at its recent meeting. Three former or suspended Ohio attorneys were determined to have engaged in dishonest conduct resulting in financial losses to their clients. Four deceased attorneys were also involved in claims presented to the Board of Commissioners. Since its inception, LFCP has awarded more than $26 million to consumers.

Ashtabula County

A former client of deceased attorney Luke Patrick Gallagher was determined to be eligible for reimbursement in the amount of $2,500 as a result of Mr. Gallagher’s failure to provide the services requested. Gallagher passed away on May 8, 2024.

Cuyahoga County

A former client of former attorney Dorothea Jane Kingsbury was determined to be eligible for reimbursement in the amount of $100,000 as a result of Kingsbury’s misappropriation of trust assets. Kingsbury resigned from the practice of law in Ohio, with discipline pending, on Jan. 12, 2024.

A former client of deceased attorney David Joseph Rossi was determined to be eligible for reimbursement in the amount of $1,500 as a result of Rossi’s failure to provide the services requested prior to his death on Dec. 22, 2023. The funds were unaccounted for following Rossi’s death.

Franklin County

A former client of former attorney Gregory Darwin Port was determined to be eligible for reimbursement in the amount of $86,212 as a result of Port’s misappropriation of estate assets. Port was disbarred by the Supreme Court of Ohio on Nov. 27, 2024. As a result, he lost his license to practice and is not eligible to return to the practice of law in Ohio.

Lucas County

A former client of former attorney Mark David Berling was determined to be eligible for reimbursement of $5,000 as a result of Berling’s failure to provide the services requested. Berling resigned from the practice of law in Ohio, with discipline pending, on Oct. 28, 2020.

A former client of deceased attorney John Farnan Potts was determined to be eligible for reimbursement of $1,200 as a result of Potts’s failure to complete the services requested and failure to provide a refund. Potts passed away on Feb. 26, 2022.

A former client of deceased attorney Nirakar Chand Thakur Jr. was determined to be eligible for reimbursement of $795 as a result of Thakur’s failure to complete the services requested and failure to provide a refund. Thakur passed away on Feb. 26, 2024.

Board determinations become final 30 days after the determination unless a party requests reconsideration. If reconsideration is granted, the claim will be reviewed by the Board at its next scheduled meeting.

The Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection, formerly known as the Clients’ Security Fund, was created in 1985 by the Supreme Court of Ohio to reimburse victims of attorney theft, embezzlement, or misappropriation. The LFCP is not taxpayer-funded but is funded by registration fees paid by every Ohio attorney. Ohio has more than 45,000 attorneys engaged in the active practice of law. Less than 1% of those attorneys are involved in claims reimbursed by the LFCP.

Law clients who believe they have sustained financial losses resulting from attorney theft, embezzlement, or misappropriation should contact the LFCP by calling 614.387.9390 or 800.231.1680 toll free in Ohio.