Ex-client of disbarred attorney receives $50,000 reimbursement

The ex-lawyer pleaded guilty to defrauding 23 clients of at least $4.4 million.

STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — A former estate client of disbarred Atty. Richard D. Goldberg has been awarded a $50,000 reimbursement from the Clients’ Security Fund of Ohio.

The fund’s board of commissioners found that Goldberg, a former Youngstown lawyer, failed to distribute, or otherwise account for, funds belonging to the estate. The estate was not named by the security fund.

This award was the largest among a total of $118,062 in awards the board made Friday to 30 victims of misappropriation of client funds by 10 suspended or former lawyers and two lawyers who are now deceased.

In August 1999, Goldberg pleaded guilty to defrauding 23 clients of at least $4.4 million between 1993 and 1999.

Goldberg was originally sent to prison for 41 months, but his sentence was increased to 57 months because of a violation of his agreement with prosecutors.

Goldberg was permanently disbarred in Ohio on Feb. 27, 2002.

The CSF was created in 1985 by the Ohio Supreme Court to reimburse victims of attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation. The CSF is funded entirely by attorney registration fees and receives no tax monies.

Ohio has more than 35,000 active lawyers, and fewer than one tenth of 1 percent of them become involved in CSF claims.

Those who believe they’ve been victims of attorney theft, embezzlement or misappropriation should call CSF toll-free in Ohio at (800) 231-1680.