CLIENT SECURITY BOARD APPROVES CLAIMS

ST. PAUL -- At its October 2007, meeting, the Minnesota Client Security Board approved payment of two claims, in the total amount of $6,000, against two former lawyers.

The Board approved one claim against Julia K. Satterlee Rhodes in the amount of $3,000.  The Board has now approved three claims against Rhodes in the total amount of $6,250.  Rhodes last practiced law in Hopkins, Minnesota.  She was suspended by the Minnesota Supreme Court in March 2004.

The Board approved a claim against Michael D. Verbrick in the amount of $3,000.  The Board has now approved two claims against Verbrick in the total amount of $5,000.  Verbrick last practiced law in St. Paul, Minnesota.  He was placed on disability inactive status by the Minnesota Supreme Court in October 2004.

The Client Security Fund was established by the Minnesota Supreme Court, and is funded by Minnesota attorneys, to reimburse clients who suffer loss of money or other property from the dishonest conduct of their attorney.  The Fund is administered by a Board appointed by the Court, and consists of five lawyer members and two non-lawyer members.  All serve without compensation as a public service.

The Client Security Fund covers most situations in which lawyers have stolen clients' money or other property entrusted to them.  The Fund does not cover losses resulting from the malpractice or negligence of lawyers. 

The Board will next meet in January 2008.  For more information on the Client Security Fund, visit the Board's website at www.mncourts.gov/csb.html.