Chad Pratt

February 28, 2015

CHAD THOMAS PRATT [#149746], 51, of Pasadena, was suspended from the practice of law for one year and until he makes restitution. He was also placed on three years’ probation and faces a three-year suspension if he does not comply with the terms of his disciplinary probation. In addition, he was ordered to comply with rule 9.20 of the California Rules of Court. In September 2011, Pratt became associated with Real Estate Law Center, which was in the business of obtaining loan modifications for clients. The center employed more than 35 non-lawyers who took upfront fees for processing cases leading to the filing of meritless lawsuits against lenders. In two of the three client matters in which he was found to have committed misconduct, Pratt failed to adequately supervise the non-attorneys who engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. Pratt also assisted in filing the meritless lawsuits, even though the clients just wanted help modifying their loans. When his relationship with the clients ended, Pratt did not account for fees he claimed to have earned or return unearned fees. Pratt was ordered to pay $16,859.65 plus interest in restitution. Pratt had one prior record of discipline, a 2014 suspension for commingling funds in his client trust account and failing to deposit a client’s settlement check in a client trust account or maintain complete records of all client funds.

March 13, 2014

CHAD THOMAS PRATT [#149746], 50, of Pasadena was suspended for one year, stayed, placed on two years’ probation with an actual 30-day suspension and ordered to take the MPRE. The order took effect March 13, 2014.