Downtown LA Law Group fights state bar probe into sex abuse settlement

The firm at the center of a $4 billion scandal is challenging a subpoena for records related to alleged fraudulent practices.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A State Bar of California probe into the Downtown LA Law Group, the firm at the center of the scandal over Los Angeles County's $4-billion sex abuse settlement, is on hold as the firm fights to keep thousands of legal filings out of the hands of investigators. The bar subpoenaed the records four months ago as it began an investigation into allegations that the firm engaged in fraudulent practices, including using third-party recruiters and misleading filings. The firm has denied all wrongdoing and is challenging the subpoena, arguing it would violate the privacy of the roughly 2,700 sex abuse victims it represents.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny over the handling of the historic $4 billion sex abuse settlement in Los Angeles County, with multiple investigations underway into potential fraud and misconduct by the lawyers involved. The outcome of the state bar probe could have major implications for the firm at the center of the scandal and the overall integrity of the settlement process.

The details

The State Bar of California subpoenaed records from the Downtown LA Law Group four months ago as it began an investigation into allegations that the firm engaged in fraudulent practices, including using third-party recruiters to sign up clients and instructing them to make up abuse claims. The firm, which is also the subject of a criminal probe, has denied all wrongdoing. However, the firm is now fighting the subpoena, arguing that turning over the records would violate the privacy of the roughly 2,700 sex abuse victims it represents. The firm has filed a motion with the bar to invalidate the subpoena.

  • The State Bar of California subpoenaed the records four months ago.
  • The firm filed a motion to invalidate the subpoena on February 20, 2026.

The players

Downtown LA Law Group

The law firm at the center of the scandal over Los Angeles County's $4-billion sex abuse settlement, which is being investigated by the State Bar of California for alleged fraudulent practices.

Andrew Morrow

An attorney with the Downtown LA Law Group who argued that the firm does not trust the state bar to keep private the 'very, very sensitive' records it has subpoenaed.

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lawrence Riff

The judge who approved the protective order shielding the identity of thousands of victims who said they were sexually abused in county-run juvenile halls and foster homes.

Nathan Hochman

The Los Angeles County District Attorney who is investigating the lawyers involved in the historic $4-billion sex abuse settlement and claims the probe could save the county 'hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars'.

Daniel Buckley

A former presiding judge of the Los Angeles County Superior Court who was brought on to vet the Downtown LA Law Group's cases following the allegations of fraud.

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What they’re saying

“This is why the state bar can't be trusted. They have placed a confidential investigation in the public domain.”

— Andrew Morrow, Attorney, Downtown LA Law Group (Los Angeles Times)

“If they want to make things move faster, they should make things move faster, if they can.”

— Lawrence Riff, Judge, Los Angeles County Superior Court (Los Angeles Times)

What’s next

The judge said he wants to wait to see if the Downtown LA Law Group's challenge to the state bar subpoena is successful before deciding whether to allow the county to turn over the firm's records to the bar.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing scrutiny and investigations surrounding the handling of the historic $4 billion sex abuse settlement in Los Angeles County, with questions being raised about potential fraud and misconduct by the lawyers involved. The outcome of the state bar probe into the Downtown LA Law Group could have major implications for the integrity of the settlement process.