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Friday, March 29, 2024

Mo. AG Koster sues fake Legal Aid

Newchriskoster

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (Legal Newsline) - Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster filed a lawsuit on Friday against a Florida-based legal services company that allegedly misled Missourians by claiming it was affiliated with state Legal Aid offices.

Yoram Rozenberg, doing business as Legal Aid and The Legal Aid Society, allegedly advertised to Missouri consumers that the businesses were associated with Legal Services of Southern Missouri when that was not the case. Legal Services of Southern Missouri serves low-income and elderly citizens, typically with no charge.

Rozenberg allegedly took payments from at least one Missouri consumer for legal work that was not performed by a licensed Missouri attorney. Rozenberg's businesses allegedly advertised in the Springfield phone books using a local phone number and falsely indicated affiliation with Legal Services of Southern Missouri.

"We will not tolerate any company misleading Missouri consumers who are vulnerable and in need of legal assistance," Koster said.

Rozenberg's business allegedly took $389 from a Springfield-area couple for legal documents related to a guardianship and engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in the state.

Koster's lawsuit seeks restitution for any consumer harmed by the businesses and an order prohibiting Rozenberg from doing business in Missouri. Koster is also seeking the payment of penalties and court costs.

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