April 2023 CSB News Release

For immediate release
April 21, 2023

CLIENT SECURITY BOARD APPROVES CLAIMS

ST. PAUL – At its April 17, 2023, meeting, the Minnesota Client Security Board approved payment of two claims, in the amount of $20,000, relating to suspended and deceased attorney Richard L. Swanson, and disabled attorney Gary A. Gittus.

The Board approved one claim against deceased attorney Richard L. Swanson in the amount of $16,500. Swanson last practiced in Chaska, Minnesota. He was suspended by the Minnesota Supreme Court in December 2021, and passed away approximately a year later.

The Board approved one claim against disabled attorney Gary A. Gittus in the total amount of $3,500. The Board has now approved four claims against Gittus totaling $16,500. Gittus was transferred to disability inactive status by the Minnesota Supreme Court in December 2022. Gittus last practiced in Rochester.

The Client Security Fund was established by the Minnesota Supreme Court, and is funded by Minnesota attorneys to reimburse clients who suffer loss of money or other property due to the dishonest conduct of their attorney. The Fund does not cover losses resulting from negligence of lawyers. The Fund is administered by a Board appointed by the Court, and consists of five lawyer members and two non-lawyer members. All serve without compensation as a public service.

For more information on the Client Security Fund, visit the Board’s website at http://csb.mncourts.gov.

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