Clients trust their attorneys to safeguard their money, property, and legal interests. And the vast majority of attorneys carry out those duties with integrity and professionalism. However, in the rare instance that an Ohio attorney acts dishonestly and causes a financial loss, help is available.

Clients who have had their money misappropriated by their attorneys can turn to the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection (LFCP). Janet Green Marbley, the organization’s director, said the public often doesn’t realize they can find assistance with this type of problem.

“The fund serves an important public protection role, helping clients recover from financial harm while reinforcing confidence in the legal profession,” Green Marbley said.

Fortunately, the problem is rare. In the 2025 fiscal year, the LFCP reimbursed clients for the dishonest conduct of merely 22 attorneys – or 0.05% – of the 44,223 active Ohio attorneys. But for clients who have possibly experienced such misconduct, the LFCP staff are available to guide them through the process of determining whether the requirements for a claim are met and how to submit a request for reimbursement.

“There is help available, and people do not have to go through this experience alone,” Green Marbley explained. “We want members of the public to know that resources exist to help them when they have been harmed by the dishonest conduct of an attorney.”

Working with the LFCP also costs the client no additional money. Given that their trust in attorneys has been shaken, clients appreciate that they don’t have to hire another attorney to address any wrongdoing and to pursue their claim, Green Marbley noted. She stressed the additional importance of dispelling their fears of hiring an attorney in the future, when they might need legal assistance.

The LFCP hopes to share their services with more people. Community groups can invite Green Marbley and LFCP deputy director Minerva Elizaga to meet with them to explain what the organization provides and how the process works. They can also speak with members of the legal community. To date, they have presented at bar association events and law schools, such as in professionalism courses. They also join with the Board of Professional Conduct and the Office of Disciplinary Counsel to share information about their roles in the legal profession at the reception held at the Supreme Court of Ohio for new attorneys after they are sworn into the practice of law.

When speaking with legal professionals, Green Marbley highlights that they can notify the LFCP when hired by someone whose prior attorney didn’t complete the legal work or who committed possible theft. It’s a way to play a vital part in protecting the legal profession, she said.

She also points out that every state in the country has a fund that serves this function. The legal profession is the only profession that self-funds organizations to reimburse clients harmed by its members in the rare circumstances when it occurs. The LFCP receives a portion of the attorney registration fees that are paid by licensed Ohio attorneys.

“It’s a win-win for everyone involved,” Green Marbley said.

If interested in having the LFCP staff speak with your organization about their services, call 614-387-9390 or email lfcp@sc.ohio.gov.

The LFCP was created by the Supreme Court of Ohio in 1985 by Rule VIII of the Supreme Court Rules for the Government of the Bar of Ohio to reimburse eligible losses caused by the dishonest conduct of Ohio attorneys. Before an award can be made by the LFCP, the dishonest attorney must have been disciplined by the Supreme Court of Ohio, have resigned from practicing law, or be deceased. Claims for legal malpractice, negligence, or fee disputes aren’t eligible for reimbursement. The Supreme Court allocates to the LFCP a portion of attorney registration fees paid by licensed Ohio attorneys. No tax dollars or other public funds are used.