One of the best things about hiring a lawyer is that they work on your behalf. Sure, they can be expensive, but the value you gain in return should be worth more than the money you spend. Unless, of course, they just take your money without the whole working for it thing. On the bright side, that’s usually grounds for them to get disbarred. AOL has coverage:
A disbarred real estate attorney from Hazlet admitted that he fleeced 60 clients out of $1.2 million in escrow funds by failing to do work on real estate deals.
Steven H. Salami, 49, pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua to a charge of financial facilitation of criminal activity, an offense that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago said Wednesday.
Offering context for his client’s actions, Salami’s attorney noted that his client had a serious substance abuse and gambling problem for years. That doesn’t excuse the fact that he failed to do good by his clients, but it may be an opportunity for his clients and the judges to empathize with his predicament. Considering the New Jersey Fund for Client Protection reimbursed his victims and the state is expected to restitute the misappropriated funds, there’s a clear opportunity for him to redeem himself. And who knows, he may even be allowed to practice again after he repays his debt to society.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction and is in need of help, the National Problem Gambling Hotline has resources for you. There is also a lawyer assistance program in your state that may be able to help you. (Don’t be fooled by the name; these programs also provide services to law students). Please reach out if you need assistance.
Disbarred Hazlet Real Estate Lawyer Admits To Defrauding 60 Clients Out Of $1.2 Million [AOL]
Earlier: Were You Disbarred In New Jersey? You May Be Eligible To Practice Again.
Chris Williams became a social media manager and assistant editor for Above the Law in June 2021. Prior to joining the staff, he moonlighted as a minor Memelord™ in the Facebook group Law School Memes for Edgy T14s. He endured Missouri long enough to graduate from Washington University in St. Louis School of Law. He is a former boatbuilder who cannot swim, a published author on critical race theory, philosophy, and humor, and has a love for cycling that occasionally annoys his peers. You can reach him by email at [email protected] and by tweet at @WritesForRent.
