WHAT IS THE CLIENT SECURITY FUND?
The Client Security Fund was established by the Alabama State Bar to provide a remedy for clients who have lost money or other property as a result of the dishonest conduct of practicing attorneys. The Alabama State Bar recognizes that the legal profession depends on the trust of clients and although very few attorneys breach that trust, it is important that the profession's reputation for honesty and integrity be maintained and protected. The Client Security Fund serves this function by providing some reimbursement to clients whose money or property has been wrongfully taken by attorneys licensed to practice law in Alabama.

CSF Application


ASSESSMENT OF MANDATORY ANNUAL FEE
Pursuant to Rule VIII, Client Security Fund Rules, the Alabama State Bar is authorized to
assess each lawyer $25.00 who on January 1 of each year:
You can pay your assessememt online by clicking here. There is a $2.00 alabama.gov fee charged to pay online.
• Print and mail CSF Invoice with payment. CSF Invoice (PDF)
• Holds a current business license to practice law in the State of Alabama;
• Holds a special membership to the Alabama State Bar;
• Is registered as authorized house counsel;
• Is admitted pro hac vice ($25.00 per application); or
• Is disbarred, suspended, placed on disability inactive status, or otherwise inactive.
(This amount shall be paid as a condition of reinstatement of the lawyer’s license to practice law)

Any person admitted to practice in the State of Alabama who upon obtaining the age of 65 years
has elected to retire from the practice of law shall be exempt from any assessment under
these Rules.

A lawyer who fails to pay by March 31 of a particular year the assessed annual fee pursuant to
Rule VIII shall be deemed to be not in compliance with these Rules. Such a lawyer is subject to
suspension pursuant to Rule 9 of the Alabama Rules of Disciplinary Procedure.

Client Security Fund Rules