Man Sentenced for Pretending to Be Attorney
A Northridge man who posed as a lawyer and negotiated $44,000 worth of liability claims was sentenced to 60 days in jail, City Atty. James K. Hahn said Thursday.
Kenneth James Berton, 28, who had worked as a secretary at the Los Angeles law firm of Cox, Castle & Nicholson, pleaded no contest to one count of illegally practicing law without being a member of the California Bar, prosecutors said. In addition to jail time, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Joseph Brandolino sentenced Berton to 45 days on a graffiti-removal crew and two years probation.
Berton used the law firm’s stationery to carry out legal negotiations that led to two settlements in car accidents, including one on behalf of his ex-wife, said Deputy City Atty. Don Kass, who prosecuted the case. The scam was discovered when the firm received an anonymous tip about Berton’s activities.
Berton is due back in court Oct. 6 for a hearing to determine whether he will be required to pay restitution, prosecutors said.
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