The New Jersey Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection awarded $75,267.60 to clients in 11 separate claims during the first quarter of 2025. These reimbursements stem from funds misappropriated by seven attorneys, including one whose law office has since closed.
In 10 of the 11 cases, the payments addressed the dishonest retention of unearned legal retainers—instances in which attorneys accepted fees but failed to perform the agreed-upon services. Among the attorneys involved is Santo V. Artusa Jr., a suspended lawyer whose Jersey City practice is no longer operational. Despite a Supreme Court order barring him from practicing law, former clients allege that Artusa has solicited payments online for legal work. The Fund’s trustees have alerted law enforcement and cautioned the public against engaging with him.
Three claims totaling $26,392.50 were approved for former clients of Brittany L. Parisi, marking the seventh set of reimbursements tied to her misconduct. All claims against Parisi involve the improper withholding of unearned retainers.
The largest single reimbursement this quarter—$20,000—was granted to clients of Martin S. Fishman, who misappropriated real estate escrow funds.
Fishman, representing homebuyers, failed to safeguard their deposit in a trust account and later admitted the money was no longer available. The Fund covered the full loss.
Fishman’s license to practice law had previously been revoked in New York on October 18, 2023, and he was disbarred last year by both the New Jersey Supreme Court and the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
Bergen County prosecutors, who say Fishman defrauded several clients of over $600,000, charged him with misappropriating clients’ money, identity theft, and forgery.
Starting in May 2023, officials say four victims reported they had been involved in real estate transactions with Fishman, who had not repaid his loans, fraudulently drafted mortgage notes, dispersed bounced checks for real estate closings, and misapplied funds intended for an attorney trust account.
Prosecutors say Fishman then ceased communication with those attempting to recoup their money.
Established in 1961 by the New Jersey State Bar Association and expanded by the Supreme Court in 1969, the Fund is financed by contributions from the state’s attorneys.
Trustees, appointed by the Supreme Court, oversee disbursements to clients victimized by lawyer misconduct. Only half of one percent of New Jersey’s 100,124 licensed attorneys have ever been the subject of approved claims.
Since its inception 56 years ago, the Fund has paid 4,946 claims against 906 lawyers, totaling $99,614,018.50. Recoveries from responsible parties have reached $27,287,285.58.
Under Court Rule 1:28, claimants may receive up to $400,000 per approved case, with a $1.5 million aggregate limit per attorney—unless the Supreme Court grants an exception. Eligible claims must involve a New Jersey attorney acting in a legal or fiduciary capacity who has since been disbarred, suspended, or convicted of misappropriation. The Fund does not cover malpractice, negligence, or fee disputes.
Claim forms are available online at the New Jersey Courts website or by contacting the Fund’s Trenton office. No filing fee is required, and attorney assistance for claimants is provided free of charge.
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