What Should I Do if My Attorney Committed Fraud?
Posted June 29th, 2022.
Categories: Legal Malpractice.
If you believe that your attorney deceived you as their client to the point that they committed fraud, continue reading to discover how an experienced New Jersey legal malpractice attorney at The Law Offices of Mark S. Guralnick can assist you in holding them accountable for their actions via a legal malpractice claim.
How do I determine if my attorney committed fraud?
Attorney fraud can occur if your attorney makes a material misrepresentation of fact when they know it is false. They have the intent that you will rely upon it or act upon it in any way, and when you do and it is damaged as a result, this is considered fraud. Attorney fraud can also occur when your attorney makes a material omission of fact, or conceals information that should have been disclosed, and you rely to their detriment on the absence of necessary information.
Do I have a legal malpractice case if my attorney committed fraud?
The American Bar Association Model Rules of Professional Conduct states that it is professional misconduct for a lawyer to “engage in conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.” As such, lawyers are prohibited from submitting false evidence and engaging in any sort of dishonest behavior, both in and outside of the courtroom.
It is possible to sue your attorney for committing fraud and deceit against you via a legal malpractice claim. Nevertheless, legal malpractice based on fraud may occur in the following ways:
- Your attorney misrepresented expenses, court costs, or fees.
- Your attorney displayed fraudulent credentials to induce their hire.
- Your attorney misrepresented the law.
- Your attorney fraudulently failed to reveal major milestones.
- Your attorney fraudulently assured that work was being performed
- Your attorney fraudulently failed to disclose court conferences and hearings.
- Your attorney fraudulently concealed court orders or other court papers.
- Your attorney fraudulently concealed records or letters provided by the opposing side.
- Your attorney fraudulently promised things that were not fulfilled.
- Your attorney misrepresented a settlement offer to induce you to take a higher or lower figure.
- Your attorney misappropriated settlement funds or paid judgment accompanied by a fraudulent explanation for why you have not received full payment of the rightful share of funds.
If you believe that you have a valid legal malpractice case against your attorney who has committed fraud, it is important that you take action today. Give our legal malpractice law firm located in Cherry Hill a call today to discuss the next steps you should take to hold this attorney in question accountable for their actions.
Contact our experienced New Jersey firm
If you require the services of a dedicated legal malpractice attorney in New Jersey, please contact The Law Offices of Mark S. Guralnick today for a free consultation.
