DTLA Law Group Partner Charged with Illegal Client Sign-Ups in Other States

California State Bar Charges DTLA Law Group Co-Founder with Multi-State Misconduct

The California State Bar has filed disciplinary charges against Salar Hendizadeh, a founding partner of Downtown LA Law Group (DTLA), alleging he engaged in the unauthorized practice of law in multiple states. The charges, brought on March 5, 2026, center around accusations that Hendizadeh oversaw the signing of clients in states where DTLA lacked licensed attorneys, potentially violating ethical and legal standards. This development arrives as the firm is already under scrutiny from both the State Bar and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office regarding its handling of thousands of sexual abuse claims related to a historic settlement with Los Angeles County.

The State Bar’s complaint details eleven counts against Hendizadeh, including allegations of deceptive advertising and charging illegal fees. Officials said, if proven, these actions constitute “dishonest and illegal conduct.” Hendizadeh and a spokesperson for Downtown LA Law Group have not yet issued a public comment regarding the charges.

Expanding Reach, Raising Questions

The core of the State Bar’s case revolves around DTLA’s alleged practice of soliciting clients outside of California without ensuring proper legal representation in those jurisdictions. The complaint specifically cites instances in Texas, where the firm operated under the branding “Lone Star Injury Law Firm” and promoted itself as “Texas’s #1 Injury Law Firm.” Despite having only one attorney licensed in Texas – Darren McBratney – DTLA reportedly continued to use McBratney’s name on its website for years after he left the firm in early 2022, even after receiving a cease and desist letter from his new employer.

This practice raises questions about DTLA’s commitment to providing adequate legal counsel to clients in states where it lacked a physical presence and licensed attorneys. Attorneys are generally permitted to take cases in states where they are not licensed, but typically must associate with local counsel or obtain court permission to do so. The State Bar alleges that DTLA frequently bypassed these requirements, potentially leaving clients without proper representation.

Specific Allegations Detail Client Harm

The complaint outlines several specific instances where clients allegedly suffered harm as a result of DTLA’s practices. In one case, a Maryland car crash victim was encouraged to undergo a costly surgery with a California-based spinal surgeon, only to receive a settlement offer insufficient to cover the medical expenses. In another instance, the statute of limitations expired on a Tennessee client’s case before DTLA filed a lawsuit, potentially forfeiting their right to pursue a claim. The firm then allegedly offered to cover the client’s medical bills and physical therapy as a form of restitution.

These allegations paint a picture of a firm prioritizing client acquisition over ensuring adequate legal representation, potentially jeopardizing the rights and financial well-being of individuals seeking legal assistance.

Broader Investigations Loom

The charges against Hendizadeh are not isolated. DTLA is currently facing parallel investigations concerning its role in the $4-billion settlement with Los Angeles County related to sexual abuse claims. Both the State Bar and the District Attorney’s office are examining allegations that DTLA paid clients to file claims, some of which were allegedly fabricated, to inflate the settlement amount. The firm has consistently denied any wrongdoing in connection with these allegations.

The firm was founded in August 2013 by Daniel Azizi, Farid Yaghoubtil, and Salar Hendizadeh. Hendizadeh obtained his California bar license that same month. The current charges focus solely on Hendizadeh’s conduct, though the complaint also references Yaghoubtil’s involvement in marketing and client intake. The State Bar alleges Yaghoubtil attempted to secure a referral fee from a client in Michigan after she terminated her representation with DTLA, allegedly pressuring her via text message.

What Happens Next: The Disciplinary Process

The State Bar’s charges initiate a formal disciplinary process. Hendizadeh will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and present a defense. The case will then proceed to a hearing before the State Bar Court, where evidence will be presented and a decision will be made.

The State Bar Court can impose a range of sanctions if the charges are substantiated, including private reproval, public reproval, suspension of law license, or disbarment. The process can be lengthy, potentially taking months or even years to reach a final resolution. Details were not provided regarding a timeline for the hearing.

Understanding the California State Bar’s Role

The State Bar of California is the public agency responsible for regulating attorneys in the state. Its primary mission is to protect the public by ensuring that attorneys adhere to ethical and professional standards. The State Bar investigates complaints of misconduct, prosecutes disciplinary cases, and provides resources for consumers seeking legal assistance.

The State Bar Court began posting public discipline documents online in 2005, providing transparency into the disciplinary process. However, it’s key to note that only published opinions may be cited as precedent in State Bar Court proceedings. Any initiating document, such as a Notice of Disciplinary Charges, contains only allegations of professional misconduct. You can find more information about the State Bar’s disciplinary process and search for attorney profiles on their website: https://apps.calbar.ca.gov/attorney/Licensee/Detail/291027.

The situation surrounding DTLA and Salar Hendizadeh remains fluid. As investigations continue and the disciplinary process unfolds, further details are likely to emerge, potentially shedding more light on the firm’s practices and the implications for its clients.