Complaint Review: Lucas Law Center - Aliso Viejo California

I, like most people, do not like to be attacked anonymously by people who most likely are not aware of the realities regarding the Modification Industry, and the accompanying ramifications. When I read a criticism such as this, my first thought is that it was written by a malicious competitor piling on after the FTC closed my company's doors - thereby explaining why the person would NOT put his, or her name to the attack. If this is indeed an abused client - he or she obviously lacks the mental acuity to surmise the real reason the Law Firm was shut down.

It is public record that nearly ALL Loss Mitigation or Loan Modification companies were forced to close their doors with the Feds not providing ANY alternative means for people to save their homes. The FTC, in my case, did NOT accomplish a single modification, or provide information involving any alternative means for my clients to continue the loss mitigation process. The only recourse provided by the FTC, and the CA Bar - by the way - was for the client to contact their lender, and pursue a dialogue usually ending in a foreclosed home.

This is perplexing to me since it was the client's inability to get their bank to do ANYTHING in the first place to prevent this looming foreclosure. This indisputable fact is exactly why a great many frustrated clients beat a path to our door, and many other Loan Modification companies. We would attempt and often succeed in accomplishing something seemingly impossible - a reduced mortgage payment that would enable our clients to make their mortgage payments on a regular, and sustained basis.

It is public record that my Law Firm successfully completed hundreds of modifications  - verified by Robb Evans & Associates (the FTC's hand picked receiver). We were much more successful than the Obama administrations Loan modification Plan, and were much more successful than the individual banks that were attempting to modify paper in their own portfolios.  Thus begging the question...why were the Law Firms in this Cottage industry that were instrumental in bringing about thousands of successful loan modifications SHUT DOWN.

Did it ever occur to you Mr. Abused that it was the banks that used their enormous financial weight to direct these political entitities to shut down practically the entire industry thereby providing no means for for saving ones home? Additionally, if all of us attorney's (several hundred)  simultaneously turned to the DARK SIDE, and fleeced our clients (again, SIMULTANEOULY with the vast majority of Attorneys having no previous complaints), why wasn't our clients retainers returned to them instead of being confiscated by the Federal and State authorities? This simply does not make any sense if theses entities were truly protecting consumers?

In summary, if this anonymously abused client (if indeed it is a client) wants to malign, and complain about a particular company, or person, he or she should exercise a MINIMUM of due diligence to attempt to ascertain what is truly happening in the marketplace. Otherwise you become a member of the the mindless masses that open their mouths without any real edification or understanding of the underlying problem.

I, like most people, do not like to be attacked anonymously by people who mosy likely are not aware of the realities regarding the Modification Industry and accompanying ramifications.  When I read a criticism such as this, my first thought is that it was written by a malicious  competitor piling on after the FTC closed my company's door - thereby explaining why the person would NOT put his or her name to the attack.  If it was indeed a supposedly abused client - he or she obviously lacks the mental accuity to surmise the real reason the Firm was shut down.

It is public record that nearly ALL Loss Mitigation or Loan Modification companies were forced to close their doors with the Feds not providing ANY alternative means for people to save their homes.  The FTC, in my case, did accomplish a single modification or provide information involving any alternative means for my hung out to dry clints to continue their mission of saving their homes.  The only recourse provided by the FTC, and the CA Bar by the way, was for the client to contact their lender and pursue a diologue with them leading to a viable solution for saving their home.

This becomes perplexing to me since it was the client's inability to get their bank to do ANYTHING in the first place to prevent foreclosure.  This is why a great many frustrated clients beat a path to our door and many other Loan Modification companies to attempt to accomplish something seemingly impossible - a reduced mortgage payment that would enable them to make affordable mortgage payments. It is public record that my Law firm successfully completed hundreds of modifications verified by Robb Evans & Associates (the FTC's hand picked receiver).

Did it ever occure to you Mr. so called Abused that the banks used their enormous financial weight to direct these political entiities to shut down practically the entire industry providing no alternative means for LOss Mitigation? Additionally, if all of us attorney's (several hundred) that simultaneously turned to the DARK SIDE and fleeced our clients (again, SIMULTANEOULY), why wasn't their retainers returned to them instead of confiscated by the Federal and State authorities? This simply does not make any sense.

In summary, if this anonomously abused client (if indeed it is a client) wants to malign and complain about a paticular company or person, he or she should excercise a MINIMUM of due diligence to attempt to acertain what is truly happening with their situation.  Otherwise you become a member of the the mindless masses that open their mouths without any real edification of the underlying problem.

I'm pretty sure that this is the BBB that was caught up in a sting operation giving particular companies very high ratings predicated on how much money they were able to extort. (See article from Sharon Bernstein's, Los Angeles Times, November19, 2010 - ABC News reported that a group of Los Angeles business owners that had been critical of the BBB pulled a sting operation by paying dues for fake companies, including one named after the Palestinian organization Hamas, which the U.S. government considers a terrorist group.

The fake businesses were accepted by the BBB and given ratings, according to the report. Hamas got an A-minus.)

It was not the first time the BBB had been under fire for its rating system. Additionally, William (Bill) Mitchell who ran the BBB for years in this part of the country took it upon himself to unilaterally determine which companies deserved a certain rating predicated by a supposed Algorithm that determined whether or not companies were 1. Legitimate 2. Doing a good job.

There, however, are a couple of difficulties with Mr .Mitchell's rating system. An anachronistic algorithm is NOT going to provide an accurate determination of the success of a company in a completely new industry without any history of business operations. The algorithm simply cannot apply. Moreover, Bill Mitchell had taken upon himself the sacred task of being a "watchdog" for the CA Bar.

Bill Mitchell is an attorney, but received his law degree from an un-accredited school with a VERY poor reputation coupled with the fact that Mitchell does not even have an undergraduate degree. He has NO knowledge of Finance, or the Banking industry. Begging the question - how is he able to make determinations regarding legitimate complaints, and frivolous complaints from people with unrealistic expectations.

Additionally, Bill Mitchell would use his VAST knowledge of  industries and companies (I hope you are picking up on my sarcasm), and his determination of which companies were benefitting consumers as opposed to ones that were not to notify the FTC, and CA Bar of these suspect or fraudulent business practices. What a JOKE!

This criticism of the Lucas Law Center, Paul Lucas, Chris Betts, and Frank Sullivan was perpetrated by a former employee who was fired by me (Paul Lucas) for insubordination, negligence and unacceptable work habits. John Kim, (the author of this scathing complaint) was hired by myself and Chris Betts (the company's marketing director), based on his supposed experience in the Loss Mitigation industry -  The Loan Modification Industry and Short Sale Market. When John Kim was interviewed for the position, he seemed to be the BEST person for the job due to his hands on, working knowledge of both Loan Modifications, and Short Sales. To his credit, he did put together a crackerjack team of individuals who ALL had past dealings in Loan Modifications - at the time our primary Legal focus. All these people he recommended, after extensive interviews, were hired to be the Infrastructure of the Negotiation segment of the Law Firm with myself screening all potential clients, and having the last word on whether or not we would be in a position to help. We would NOT accept any client that we knew we could not help...additionally, every client was required to sign a very specific retainer Agreement- all salient aspects of the retainer were in bold type to emphasize their importance to the contract.

After establishing the initial framework of our backend (anything dealing with the banks: Modification Parameters, compiling flies to be submitted for review, and any other required dealings with the lending institutions),  John Kim decided he deserved more deference and control over the operations of my Law Firm. He would no longer be accountable to anyone in the Firm, including myself. All my email request for information went unheeded. He obviously had begun to believe his own press becoming delusional and sociopathic in his behavior. This, coupled with the fact he was on personal calls for the better part of the day instead of helping clients whom were about to lose their homes, forced me to terminate his employment. The primary reason this scathing report on my Law practice came to light on Rip Off Report.com was because an immature, childish brat was not allowed to do whatever he pleased...it essentially came down to either I fire him, or the whole department was threatening to leave.  It became an easy choice.

As for his scathing comments of Chris, Frank, and myself...I will address each accusation individually as objectively as possible.

Christopher Betts, in his mid 20s, did run afoul of the law, but has spent the past 15 raising his family - dedicating his life to his 3 children, and doting wife.. His actions while being MY marketing manager were nothing short of exemplary; his children would often burst with pride when they would hear one of my radio ads - commenting "nice going dad" because they knew he was responsible for helping me, and my Law Firm get the message out to distressed homeowners that we were there to help.

However, let me make one thing abundantly clear...Chris answered to me! At no time did he EVER make critical decisions or, as John Kim stated, run my Law Firm.  Chris was working as my subordinate with little decision making privileges. His one and only function, as per the contract that I provided for the FTC, and the CA Bar was to market my Firm's ability to successfully achieve Loan Modifications. FYI...the Firm was able to successfully negotiate over 550 Modifications. This number dwarfing anything initiated by the Obama administration or  ANY individual banks efforts to modify the loans they held based on their sense of altruism, or philanthropy. 

Frank Sullivan is not a bank robber as John Kim indicated in his complaint. He is a dedicated family man who was extremely instrumental in aiding in ALL aspects of my Loan Modification Law Firm. I think the aspect of being a bank robber actually amused frank, instead of angering him. Frank is not a choir boy, but is extremely intelligent and was obsessively dedicated to helping each and every client. 

The manner in which John Kim maliciously, and erroneously described these 2 gentlemen (using the Internet and Ripoff Report.com) illustrates his cowardly, malicious, and vitriolic nature that forced me to FIRE him in the first place.

As for what John Kim said about me...my wife, and I just laughed. At the time I began the Lucas Law Firm I was 48 years old without having any alcohol related incident.  If I did have a problem with any substance, one would figure that by the age of 48, something would have transpired to justify the remark. I guess if your going to call me names, I got off easy... there are many people out there in society from every demographic that have had alcohol and other substance abuse related problems. It was almost comical when I would have to explain this attack on my character to a prospective client...no one seemingly cared whether I drank or not - they just cared about getting a reduction in their mortgage payment...a payment they could afford.

As for John Kim's indiscretions...you may begin by asking him why he was kicked out of his first university (he would NEVER tell me the name of his school, or the reason he was kicked out) followed by where he ended up, and whether or not he indeed graduated. I was not successful in ferreting out this information. Anyone reading this rebuttal of John Kim's malicious attack on my Law Firm should ask for multiple references from him, including conducting a full background check...I know they won't like what they find. 

Not to boast, but before this politically motivated attack on the Loan Modification industry my background was spotless; not 1 Bar complaint for 20 years...however, I did receive a parking ticket 14 years ago. I often wonder how hundreds of attorneys doing Loan Modifications all simultaneously turned to the dark side and FRAUDULENTLY bilked money from their clients who could not even afford their mortgage payments. Most of these attorneys had never run afoul of the BAR or of the LAW. Regrettably, most of us were forced to resign, or were disbarred. One of my attorney friends whom I successfully secured a great modification for her and her husband suggests that both State and Federal Authorities were protecting the banks' interests in closing down the Cottage Industry of Loan modifications in order to protect their profits. I find this extremely ironic because getting less of something is much better than getting more of nothing...unless the Federal Reserve has Guaranteed the banks' losses as became the case.

For those of you who read and believed John Kim's attack on my Law Firm, and launched their own separate complaint, please consider the fact that many clients were told by their banks that they had either never heard of the Law Firm supposedly negotiating their Loan, or the Law Firm had not followed up on the modification. In fact, my firm, for example (and I would suspect this of most Law firms) had a timetable of 48 hours to FED EX a completed application to each and every institution relevant to our client, or clients.  In fact, I had specific individuals that did nothing but make sure the time line was achieved - including my father. Many bank representatives either refused to admit they were currently holding the completed application, and accompanying documentation or they would lie and tell a client that they had NEVER heard of the Law Firm. 

One client was so incensed by our apparent lack of diligence, he went on Ripoff Report.com to register a complaint.  After a lively discussion between he and I regarding my Firms efforts to procure him an affordable modification - I, and another employee called his bank with him on the line (the bank was told that Mr. Mike Williams was listening to the conversation). Mr. Williams was SHOCKED to hear that hed been lied to, and that we had done everything to that point in order to get him the Modification he was so desperately seeking. After realizing hed been duped by his bank, he profusely apologized to me, and proceeded to chide me for not suing these banks for defamation since it was their prevarications that were causing the majority of Internet complaints. I informed him that suing these entities was extremely difficult, but I would provide him an outlet to inform other clients, and potential clients, of the suspect business practices perpetrated by the

banks. I proceeded to introduce him to Judd McIlvain the famous trouble shooter, and consumer advocate.  Mike was extremely pleased to have 20 minutes to blast B of A for what he referred to as fraud and deceit...or something close to that description. 

I sincerely hope this rebuttal sheds some light on what truly transpired. In retrospect, going forward I would NEVER hire anyone without a thorough background check (references are good but may not tell the whole story of a prospective employee). Additionally, in this this country, when you challenge the banks and their profits, you take your professional life in your hands. The banks have the money, and the politicians are usually beneficiaries of that cash. The quandary becomes...whom is one to trust.

Well, at least Brett admits he used to work here. I wonder if he was one of the people that got fired for misrepresenting what he said to prospective clients. Looks that way to me. How would he know where Chris Betts lives and whether he has furniture in his home or not. Anyone can write whatever they want on the internet. Not only did Mr. Lucas have a law degree, but also a MBA in finance.

I personally worked as a loan counselor talking to people who called in from the radio commercials. I have a corporate american background and even worked for part of Citigroup/Smith Barney.

When Chris Betts hired me, he was very upfront and told me the negtive things on Ripoff Report and the BBB. Knowing full well that the BBB is a privately owned, membership driven organization, that only gives its members good ratings, this didn't faze me. In fact, there is so much negative info on the BBB, including a lawsuit filed by a Beverly Hills law firm. I was more concerned if there were any bar complaints against Mr. Lucas (there weren't) and if they had a CRM back end which they did.

While working for Lucas Law Center, they did a great job in getting people loan mods. Their back end team (negotiators and processors) were outstanding and very hard working. I can personally tell you that they were successful in postponing sale dates for several of my clients (with only 2 days notice). For those naysayers, this is a tough business and I never talked to more people who felt that the banks should lower their principal balance just because. Almost a sense of entitlement.  Mr. Lucas had just completed an internal audit which he intended to submit to the California Bar Assn. for 514 successfully completed loan mods. Not bad for someone who is scamming people. Oh yes, the court appointed receiver did their own audit and came up with a similar number. The FTC was amazed.

Can you please all the people all the time........absolutely not. Did we have clients who didn't finish paying us after their loan mod was completed.........absolutley yes. Did I personally turn down clients who I felt had unreasonable expectations.......YES.

What a SCAM! After reading Paul Lucas' drivel about how wonderful he is, I nearly threw up. The reason? Paul Lucas is BEING SUED as part of Operation Loan Liar (which is being managed by the Federal Trade Commission) in Federal Court for SCAMMING innocent homeowners. Here's the case information:

Federal Trade Commission v. Lucas Law Center Incorporated (also d/b/a Lucas Law Center), Future Financial Services, LLC, Paul Jeffrey Lucas, and Christopher Francis Betts

Civil case alleging violations of Section 5 of the FTC Act Complaint filed on July 7, 2009 in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. Case No. 8:09-cv-00770-DOC-AN (C.D. Cal.)

Temporary Restraining Order entered on July 9, 2009.

Preliminary Injunction hearing scheduled for July 16, 2009.

BTW, it's a good thing the Lucas recommends that his potential victims do a Google Search - in addition to the Federal Trade Commission Lawsuit against his scam, the California Attorney General's Office has just listed Lucas Law Firm on their list of Companies that have NOT registered with their office and posted a $100,000 bond to operate as financial mortgage modification consultants.

Shysters like Paul Lucas need to be thrown behind bars forever.

Also, John and Ken from KFI and Bill Handel should also be ashamed for allowing this crook to advertise on their shows.

From the State of CA bar, the creditials of Mr. Lucas--He is an attorney but apparently was suspended for not paying his dues--see discipline info at the very bottom of this report ********************** Paul Jeffery Lucas - #163076 Current Status: Active This member is active and may practice law in California. See below for more details. Profile Information Bar Number 163076 Address 75 Enterprise Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 Phone Number (888) 670-7370 Fax Number (949) 330-6221 e-mail [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@qwfic.org District District 8 Undergraduate School Univ of Western Ontario; Canada County Orange Law School Southwestern Univ SOL; Los Angeles CA Sections None Status History Effective Date Status Change Present Active 6/6/2008 Active 6/5/2008 Inactive 8/16/2007 Not Eligible To Practice Law 1/1/2003 Inactive 11/1/2002 Active 1/1/2002 Inactive 12/14/1992 Admitted to The State Bar of California Explanation of member status Actions Affecting Eligibility to Practice Law Effective Date Description Case Number Resulting Status Disciplinary and Related Actions This member has no public record of discipline. Administrative Actions 8/16/2007 Suspended, failed to pay Bar membr. fees Not Eligible To Practice Law Start New Search > Contact Us Site Map Privacy Policy Notices 2009 The State Bar of California

Mr. Lucas You're a life saver! I mean it.. You took on my case even though I am tough to work with, and nit pickie. Thanks for answering ALLLL my calls.Thanks for helping my Brother as well. Vera

Paul, Unlike the many horror stories out there about people losing their homes, thanks to you I don't have one. You were able to get me a great payment that I can afford. Thanks from my whole family Cee Cee

Dear Mr Lucas, I received your email and would like to share my experience with your law firm. The only way to describe it is Heaven sent. You were able to lower my interest rate from 8 1/4% to 3% and took 35k in late payments and put it into my loan. All I can say is I'm sleeping again and happy to say IN MY HOUSE..... Thanks Jerry

Mr. Lucas, It will be my pleasure to respond to your email. First off, I'd like to say THANK YOU, and because of your law firm I didn't lose my home!!!!! My new payment is affordable and my late payments are gone!!!! I also would like to defend your company. I came to your office (in tears) and after 30 min I had hope. Your staff was friendly and your professional approach made me retain your services over a few different companies that I heard on the radio. You're a very nice man, and I'm sorry that anyone would say anything about your Law firm. I encourage people to meet you!!!!!! Sincerely, Tina

"Betts and another team of felons were found guilty of securities fraud in N.Y. a few years ago and moved to California to try to outrun his criminal reputation." http://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/34-50316.htm http://www.sec.gov/litigation/admin/34-50638.htm "Betts... few years ago and moved to California to try to outrun his criminal reputation. Look him up under telcore direct or Campos, another attorney he was in cahoots with." http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/307/RipOff0307896.htm "Paul Lucas is an ex- loan officer that never practiced law." http://members.calbar.ca.gov/search/member_detail.aspx?x=163076 BBB of the Southland, Inc. Serving Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties http://www.labbb.org/BusinessReport.aspx?CompanyID=100071916 http://www.labbb.org/PublicComplaints.aspx?CompanyID=100071916 "office is nothing but a boiler room with another office supposedly that does the modifications... I invite you to really check this crew out, stop by their month to month rent office." Lucas Law Center - 65 Enterprise Suite 450, Aliso Viejo, CA, 92656 http://www.techspace.com/officespace/orangecounty.aspx

The loan modification industry has been flooded with a dying breed of mortgage lenders, or brokers that desperately need to generate income since the demise of the credit industry in this country. Real Estate and Mortgage Law Firms like the Lucas Law Center, provide a much more professional, fiduciary dialogue with mortgage lenders, and create an imposing impediment to these anachronistic entities which still seek to defraud, and deceive clients whom are in need of professional legal and financial advice. In other words, this smear campaign is nothing more than a childish attempt by my competitors to slander this law firm's good name; I'm surprised they didn't bring my mother into it. Under California's Mortgage Foreclosure Act as codified in Sections 2945 et seq. of the Civil Code, all so called foreclosure specialists, or consultants, are prohibited from collecting an upfront fee from a consumer even if they work with attorneys or have attorneys inside their shop. As such, they must perform services before collecting a fee absent being a law firm where an ordinary attorney/client relationship has occurred under a normal retainer agreement. Recently a mortgage modification shop was shut down by the California Attorney General's office engaged in such activity; the attorney who worked with them was brought into the unlawful liability action because he never undertook any of the consumers as clients under the attorney/client relationship. The company was prohibited from taking an upfront fee, and was instructed by the court that they should have performed the services first, and collected the fees after the services had been completed. Again, this requirement is specifically prescribed by California Civil Code section 2945.1 subdivision (a) as it describes a foreclosure consultant. I will be sending out an email to my existing clients who have received a loan modification using my law office. The Lucas Law Center has saved hundreds of homes from foreclosure, and put home owners into a loan they CAN afford. I have many testimonials from clients whom have gushed that their new mortgage agreements significantly changed their lives, and have recommended our services to many of their friends and neighbors in similar financial situations. Again, regarding these mortgage brokers working out of their home, and or mortgage companies that represent themselves as a law firm, Caveat Emptor (buyer beware). Please Google the California Bar Association and do the research on the company you are looking at!! At this time, I am actively putting together a list of Loan Modification Specialists that are NOT adhering to California Law, and intend to send this list to the Department of Real Estate, and the State Attorney General of California. Paul J Lucas ESQ.

none of that is accurate

none of that is accurate