The New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection, an entity of the Supreme Court of New Jersey, exists under the authority of Rule 1:28. It was established to reimburse clients who have suffered a loss due to dishonest conduct of a member of the New Jersey Bar. The New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection was created as a Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association in 1961. At the request of the Bar, the New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection took its present form in 1969 and has served as a national leader. Formerly known as the Clients' Security Fund of the Bar of New Jersey, the New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection's nature and purpose were not affected by the 1991 name change. The New Jersey Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection handles the payment and registration process for lawyers admitted to practice.
The Board of Trustees have limited jurisdiction to pay compensation on claims against lawyers. Please read our brochure or the FAQ for information about the Fund's purpose and jurisdiction.
The filing process is free and easy. Please read the instructions that are provided with each Statement of Claim and Supplemental Statement forms. If you are also claiming a fee refund and your attorney has been suspended, disbarred, or is deceased you must also include a signed Unearned Retainer Certification.
You can download your forms from the above links or you may call us to have the forms mailed to you. All completed forms must be returned to us by regular mail with an original signature from all claimants. You will receive a letter confirming receipt after your claim has been docketed.
Feel free to contact us toll free at 855-533-FUND (3863), "Option 1", for additional information or assistance.
Code of Policy:
September 2017 – Monthly Agenda and Corresponding Reports:
Accounts, Attorney Trust and Business
Office of Attorney Ethics, (609) 530-5208
Appealing Ethics or Fee Case
Disciplinary Review Board, (609) 815-2920
Bona Fide Office Requirements
AOC Professional Services (Advisory Committee on Professional Ethics), (609) 815-2900 x54946
Certificate of Good Standing
Board of Bar Examiners, (609) 815-2911
Claims of Dishonesty Against Disciplined Attorneys
Client Protection Fund, 855-533-FUND (3863), option 1; Outside of the U.S.: (609) 815-3040
Complaints Against Attorneys
Office of Attorney Ethics, 1-800-406-8594
Complaints Against Judges
AOC Professional Services (Advisory Committee on Judicial Conduct), (609) 815-2900 x54950
Continuing Legal Education
Board for Continuing Legal Education, (609) 815-2930
ICLE Courses, (732) 249-5100
Deceased Attorney Information
Surrogate's Office in the county where the attorney was domiciled.
Discipline of Attorneys
Disciplinary Review Board, (609) 815-2920 or Office of Attorney Ethics, 1-800-406-8594
Ethics Hotline for Members of the Bar
(609) 815-2900 x54946
The hotline staff does not provide legal advice or advisory opinions. Attorneys may receive general information and research assistance on legal ethics, solicitation and attorney advertising.
Malpractice Insurance
Lawyers practicing in professional corporations, limited liability corporations, and limited liability partnerships are required to maintain malpractice insurance and file a report with Supreme Court Clerk's office, (609) 815-2955 each year.
Name Changes
Board of Bar Examiners, (609) 815-2911
Unauthorized Practice of Law
AOC Professional Services, (609) 609-815-2900 x54946
Correspondence and Claims
NJ Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
P.O. Box 961
Trenton, NJ 08625-0961
Physical Address - Couriers, Delivery Services, and Express Mail Only.
USPS will not deliver regular mail to this address.
NJ Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex
25 W. Market St., 5th Floor, North Wing
Trenton, NJ 08625
Call us toll free: 855-533-FUND (3863)
Claims Department & Director’s Office (Option 1)
Billing Department & Pro Hac Vice Unit (Option 2)
Outside of the United States: 609-815-3027
Fax: (609) 394-3637
Pro Hac Vice Admissions - Mail Payment To:
NJ Lawyers' Fund for Client Protection
P.O. Box 961
Trenton, NJ 08625-0961