The Client Protection Fund (Fund) is a program established by the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners, as authorized by the Michigan Supreme Court, to reimburse clients who have been victimized by lawyers who violate the profession’s ethical standards and misappropriate funds entrusted to them. For more information about the Fund, see the Client Protection Fund History.

The Fund’s mission is to promote public confidence in the legal profession and justice system.

The Fund reimburses losses caused by lawyers who misappropriate estate and trust assets, settlement funds, and unearned fees. The Fund will not reimburse losses attributable to legal malpractice, fee disputes, or consequential damages. For more information see FAQs.

• Application
  • Blank Form
  • Fillable Form
• Client Protection Fund Rules
• Claim Examples

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Client Protection Fund History
• Annual Reports
• Testimonials

For more information about the Client Protection Fund, please contact: cpf@michbar.org or (517) 346-6354.

Alecia M. Chandler
Professional Responsibility Programs Director
achandler@michbar.org
(517) 346-6328

Rachel Harris
Client Protection Fund Administrator
rharris@michbar.org
(517) 346-6379
(800) 968-1442 x 6379

Ashley Hotwagner
Client Protection Fund Legal Assistant
ahotwagner@michbar.org
(517) 346-6313

• Attorney Grievance Commission
• Attorney Discipline Board
• Lawyer Referral Services
• Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct
• National Client Protection Organization
• Michigan Consumer Protection