State Bar Investigates LA Law Firm in $4 Billion Sex Abuse Case
The State Bar of California is investigating the Downtown LA Law Group, a firm representing thousands of sex abuse victims in a $4-billion settlement with Los Angeles County, according to court filings made public Wednesday.
The investigation centers on allegations that plaintiffs were paid to file lawsuits, a claim already under criminal scrutiny.Los Angeles County attorneys detailed the State bar probe in a Jan. 20 court motion, seeking permission to share confidential case documents with the Bar. The county reached the historic settlement this spring to resolve thousands of claims of abuse occurring in juvenile halls and foster homes.
The county’s motion asks Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff to allow the release of documents subpoenaed by the State Bar. County officials argue the documents are crucial to a thorough investigation.
The motion includes Los Angeles times investigations as exhibits. Those reports identified nine clients of the firm who stated they were paid by recruiters to sue the county, with four claiming they were instructed to fabricate their accounts of abuse. The Downtown LA Law Group has denied any wrongdoing, asserting it “categorically does not engage in, nor has it ever condoned, the exchange of money for client retention.”
The firm declined to comment directly on whether it would contest the county’s request to release the documents, stating only, “We are unable to comment on matters pending before the court. While we are cooperating with the Bar, we are also taking whatever steps necessary to protect the legitimate privacy rights of the plaintiffs who are victims of sexual assault.”
A hearing to discuss the matter is scheduled for Feb. 26.
The county’s motion emphasizes the seriousness of the allegations. “The LA Times articles raise serious allegations of fraudulent and unlawful practices by attorneys that pose a risk of harm to the public,” it states. “The State Bar cannot fulfill its duty to protect the public if it is not able to obtain all necessary materials to conduct a thorough investigation of these allegations, particularly where the allegations concern potentially systemic fraudulent practices by licensed attorneys.”