What is Barratry?

Barratry describes an unlawful act performed by a lawyer who provokes a conflict or otherwise invites the filing of a lawsuit so he or she can profit from the legal fees.

It usually involves an unfounded (frivolous) claim being filed so the attorney can collect payment from clients.

In the United States, barratry is illegal. An attorney perpetrator is liable to a criminal penalty and disciplinary action by the state bar, which would generally put a lawyer at risk of disbarment.