The definition of attorney fraud various from state to state and can
involve any numbers of types of fraud perpetrated on the client or
upon the court.
Illinois has our favorite definition of this crime: "anything
calculated to deceive whether it be by direct falsehood or by
innuendo, by speech or silence, by word of mouth, by look, or by
gesture. Fraud includes the suppression of the truth, as well as the
presentation of false information."
A few examples of attorney fraud:
- Skimming settlement fees - claiming
the settlement was less than received.
- Billings abuses - charging more
time than was used or for services not performed.
- Power of attorney fraud - the POA
is misused by the attorney for his or her own gain.
- Today many are getting in on
mortgage rescue/loan modification loans and debt relief scams.
- Division of fees with a personal
representative of an estate
- Embezzlement of trust funds.
- A suspended or disbarred lawyer
using another's bar number/name.