Attorney Gets Bar Boot For Allegedly Ripping Off 44 Clients By Improperly Pocketing Over $300K In Upfront Fees For Loan Modifications, Not Providing Promised Services

In Costa Mesa, California, the Northern California Record reports:

• Costa Mesa attorney Robyn Lynnette Pool has been disbarred by the California State Bar over allegations she engaged in more than 15 instances of loan modification misconduct, according to a recent decision.
  
  The disbarment proceeding against Pool included nine separate notices of disciplinary charges that were consolidated, according to the May 5 decision. The state bar charged Pool with 127 counts of misconduct in 50 separate client matters.
  
  The state bar also recommended Pool be ordered to pay more than $300,000 plus interest in restitution to 44 former clients.(1)
  
  Pool failed to participate in person or via counsel and the state bar's decision and order for disbarment was entered by default.
  
  ***
  Allegations against Pool include multiple counts of collecting advanced fees prior to completing all loan modification services, not promptly refunding unearned advance fees, dropping clients without performing any legal services and allowing one of her employees to provide client legal advice.
  
  Pool also was charged with multiple counts of entering into loan modification fee agreements without first providing clients with required separate written statements that it is not necessary to pay a third party to arrange loan modification or other form of loan forbearance, that clients may deal directly with their lender.

Source: Costa Mesa attorney disbarred, ordered to pay more than $300,000 restitution.

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(1) For "attorney ripoff reimbursement funds" that sometimes help cover the losses created by the dishonest conduct of lawyers licensed in the United States and Canada, see:

• Directory Of Lawyers' Funds For Client Protection (February 2017) (includes Canadian recovery funds, courtesy of the American Bar Association);
• Check the USA Client Protection Funds Map;
• Check the Canada Client Protection Funds Map.

Maps available courtesy of The National Client Protection Organization, Inc.