The arrest of a Main Line personal injury lawyer on allegations he stole $400,000 in client settlement funds may have been uncommon, but the case highlights ever-present pitfalls in handling clients’ money, say attorneys who represent lawyers in disciplinary cases. And those pitfalls may be more dangerous as competition among attorneys increases and compliance with rules over handling client funds gains in complexity.
Gregory Stagliano, 61, of Radnor Township, was arrested and charged with unlawful taking, theft of services, theft by deception and receiving stolen property—all third-degree felonies, according to a June 1 announcement by Delaware County District Attorney Jack Whelan.
