ALERT: Beware of Predatory Law Firms
ALERT: Beware of predatory out-of-state law firms seeking to exploit wildfire victims
Please help us share this press release/warning regarding out-of-state predatory law firms from the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel with victims of the recent wildfires on Maui and Hawaiʻi Island.
“Unfortunately, fast moving disasters tempt opportunistic actors to prey on people most vulnerable, so watch out for and report potential fraud.”
Complaints can be submitted directly to Supreme Court Office of Disciplinary Counsel; visit:
https://dbhawaii.org/how-to-file-a-complaint-with-the-odc
Hawaiʻi Law prohibits solicitation:
By direct in-person, live telephone, email or text message
By any other method addressed to the victim, or relatives, within 30 days of the personal injury/wrongful death
Of a victim, or family, when the victim or family makes known their desire to be left alone
Advertisements for legal services:
Must include the name of at least one Hawaiʻi licensed lawyer responsible for its content
By mail: shall include “Advertisement Material” on the outside of of the envelope
By electronic advertising: shall include “Advertising Material” at the beginning and end
Retainer and Fee Agreements:
Retainer and fee agreements (plus changes) must be given to the client in writing
Contingent fee agreements (“no fee if we don’t win”) must:
Be signed by the client
Explain the division of fees, charges included/excluded, and other issues that impact recovery
Client Money:
Any funds entrusted to a lawyer must be deposited into a trust account held in a Hawaiʻi financial institution approved by the the Hawaii Supreme Court
Persons who have lost money due to a lawyers dishonesty may file claims with the Lawyers Fund for Client Protection; visit: https://hawaiilawyersfund.com/filing-a-claim/
Disaster Legal Hotline: Free legal assistance for the Residents of Maui and the Big Island affected by the wildfires:
Dates:
Tuesday, August 15th and 22nd
Wednesday, August 16th and 23rd
Thursday, August 17th and 24th
Time:
9am-5pm
Call Toll Free:
(888) 533-2773
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From HAPA:
Please document and share predatory advertising:
Please forward screenshots of and links to suspicious legal ads to: action@hapahi.org. We will compile and share with a trusted hui of local pro bono attorneys for review.
About the Author
Nanea Lo, HAPA’s Administrative and Programs Coordinator
Nanea Lo is from Papakōlea, Oʻahu. She is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian). Lo's educational expertise is in community planning and urban planning infrastructures. She is also a podcast host for Native Stories.
Lo is a public servant and serves as the Kona representative for the Oʻahu Burial Council, a commissioner on the Oʻahu Historic Preservation Commission, sits on the board of the Hawaiʻi Workers Center, and serves on the grant making committee for Hawaiʻi People’s Fund.
Through civic engagement, podcast hosting, and community organizing, Lo advocates for Hawaiian sovereignty, Aloha 'Āina, and feminism on the national and international scale. She has been a part of innovative local and international education and advocacy programs such as Planned Parenthood “National” Storyteller for the Pacific Northwest and Hawaiʻi, Hawaiʻi-Asia Pacific Leadership Program, Native American Political Leadership Program, Kuleana Academy, Young Pacific Leaders, and Peace Scholars. She believes that relationships are the fabric of life and that Aloha ʻĀina is forever.
