Former clients of suspended Mahoning Valley lawyers get reimbursements

COLUMBUS — The Board of Commissioners of the Clients’ Security Fund of Ohio recently awarded $6,010 to former clients of two suspended Mahoning Valley lawyers.

The board reimbursed $1,300 to a former client of Mahoning County lawyer Warren G. Pritchard, whose Ohio law license was suspended on Nov. 10, 2009.

It also awarded a total of $4,710 to five former clients of Columbiana County lawyer Richard V. Hoppel, whose Ohio law license was suspended June 8, 2011.

Pritchard and Hoppel failed to refund unearned fees paid by their clients, the board said.

Those who believe they are victims of theft, embezzlement or misappropriation of funds by lawyers should call CSF toll-free in Ohio at 800-231-1680.