Jul. 31, 2026
Capping Allegations Rock the Downtown LA Law Group | Kabateck & Karnikian: Off the Record, Ep. 10
Paid client recruitment, retainers dressed up as petitions, a recruiter working accident scenes off a police scanner -- an LA Times investigation has the Downtown LA Law Group facing its toughest scrutiny yet. In this episode, Brian Kabateck and Shant Karnikian break down the line between lawful referrals and criminal capping, and what the plaintiffs' bar stands to lose if this story sticks.
An LA Times piece has put the Downtown LA Law Group back in the spotlight, with allegations of paid client recruitment, petitions that turned out to be retainers, and a recruiter who allegedly worked accident scenes off a police scanner. Brian Kabateck and Shant Karnikian stress at the outset that these remain allegations, then use them to walk through the rules that govern solicitation, why capping carries criminal exposure and not just discipline, and what happens to the honest plaintiffs' lawyer when the tort reform lobby gets handed a story like this. Kabateck calls it the most serious threat to the profession in Karnikian's generation and argues the bar needs a real clearinghouse, not another file on a shelf. Shant takes the opportunity to remind everyone he is a lot younger than Brian.
Subscribe: www.youtube.com/@dailyjournalnews
Watch and listen to more episodes: www.dailyjournal.com/off_the_record
Comments or questions? Email network@dailyjournal.com
Learn more about Kabateck LLP: www.kbklawyers.com
Kabateck & Karnikian: Off the Record is opinion content independent of the Daily Journal newsroom. Opinions expressed are those of the hosts and do not represent the Daily Journal Network or the Daily Journal. Not legal advice.
For reprint rights or to order a copy of your photo:
Email
Jeremy_Ellis@dailyjournal.com
for prices.
Direct dial: 213-229-5424
Send a letter to the editor:
Email: letters@dailyjournal.com