Lawyer is Going to Jail for Stealing from Elderly Clients

When we think about elder abuse, our minds go directly to physical and emotional abuse and neglect committed by employees in nursing homes. That so many of our older loved ones are forced to endure the needless injuries is at the hands of people paid to care for them is terrible.. The story from today’s newspapers is worse than that!

Elder law attorney Barbara Leiberman was sentenced to 10 years behind bars after being found guilty of defrauding elderly clients out of millions of dollars. Not only did she steal the funds, but she created an elaborate money-laundering scheme, according to court papers, to hide her wrongdoing. The Northfield, New Jersey lawyer used the money to buy cars, vacation homes and other luxury goods like her BMW which was taken from her as part of the restitution being paid to her victims.

As part of her guilty plea, she also had to forfeit $3 million that she is believed to have stolen. The State will use the money to repay restitution her 17 victims. Lieberman also lost her license to practice law. Four other people were allegedly involved in Lieberman’s scheme; they have been indicted and charges are pending.

At Sugarman Law, we are outraged when we hear stories like this one. We fight passionately for the rights of our elderly clients. If you or someone you love is being abused or neglect, whether emotionally, physically or financially in a nursing home or hospital, contact Barry Sugarman right away for a free consultation.