Legal Services Firm Barred From Billing Until Documents Delivered

A local legal services agency was barred Wednesday from engaging in unfair business practices after the Orange County district attorney’s office accused the agency head of taking payment for duties promised but never performed.

Orange County Superior Court Judge James H. Poole issued a preliminary injunction against Stewart A. Embry and SOS Legal Services, and additionally ordered Embry to prepare and provide customers with copies of the court documents filed before he can receive payment for future work, according to a statement released by Orange County Dist. Atty. Michael R. Capizzi.

The judge also ordered Embry to notify customers of his whereabouts since he has been evicted from his offices, according to the statement. The agency assists customers by filing and preparing legal documents, including divorce and bankruptcy petitions.

Embry could not be reached for comment Wednesday. A recording said the phone number is no longer in service.

In one instance, a victim paid Embry to file documents opposing his eviction from his home. The documents were never filed, however, and the victim was forced to move, according to the district attorney.

In another case, a woman sought Embry’s help in filing bankruptcy documents but later learned the documents were never filed with the court. She has been unable to get a refund, or have her original documents returned, the statement said.

Prosecutors are seeking a permanent injunction in the upcoming weeks, restitution to victims and payment of civil penalties, according to the statement.