Contact: B. Kwaku Duren, Esq.
Phone: (310) 780-6739
E-Mail: bkwakuduren@msn.com
On The Web: http://kwakuduren.blogspot.com/
California People's Attorney B. Kwaku Duren Fights To Represent
Low Income Clients
(Compton, California) – 11/22/2014 – People's Lawyer B. Kwaku Duren is currently unable to fight for 13 clients, at least five of them pro bono. Pro bono means that the client paid nothing for his legal representation. Kwaku Duren is currently suspended from The State Bar of California, although that "state bar imposed suspension" has not been approved by the California Supreme Court – which has the constitutional authority to "suspend or disbar" a licensed attorney.
The state bar suspension order was supposedly effective on Monday November 17, 2014. However, Attorney Duren filed a Motion for Reconsideration, which is still pending. The State Bar "suspension order" overlooks two important considerations in deciding that "no good cause" existed for granting Attorney Duren's Motion to Extend Time to take the MPRE. First, his "pro bono" clients cannot afford the cost of running out and retaining another lawyer. So, his "pro bono clients" will go without much needed legal representation because of his suspension. Second, B. Kwaku Duren will loose the source of his livelihood, including the abilities to pay rent and other expenses for his law firm which will result in expensive storage fees.
On Monday November 17, 2014, Attorney Duren filed a Motion For Reconsideration. B. Kwaku Duren's history as a people's attorney is unique. He did not choose this profession for financial rewards but, for personal passion in serving the innocent, financially destitute and mankind in general. B. Kwaku Duren has assisted clients from all ethnic backgrounds for little or, no payments, in an humble Compton, California office. He brings many years of legal experience to the table with years of service to Legal Aid before becoming licensed to practice law. He resigned from Legal Aid because regulations governing Legal Aid Attorneys prevent them from running for political office. This suspension comes on the heels of one sustained client complaint in twenty three plus years of service as an attorney. That complaint originates from a former client represented in a civil matter whereas; Attorney Duren attempted to set aside a bank foreclosure of residential property. He admittedly but, inadvertently, failed in timely [a day late] filing responses to motions to dismiss which were filed by two banks and the client's civil case was dismissed. Duren regrets agreeing to and not challenging the level of discipline imposed – which included – paying restitution to the former client, 30 days actual suspension and passing the MPRE. He unfortunately did not obtain a passing score on the August 2014 MPRE most likely the result of working late into the morning hours on the day the exam was given. California maintains the highest required MPRE score in the nation. While under suspension, Attorney Duren will not be financially able to pay restitution to his former client, his bar dues for 2015 or, the costs imposed by the State Bar for the "stipulated discipline" imposed on Attorney Duren.
When it comes to affordable or, free legal representation, most of us will readily agree that it is very difficult to secure. A number of organizations have recently suggested that poor people are underrepresented within the judicial system. Above all, B. Kwakku Duren should be allowed to practice law until such time as, the March 2015 MPRE scores become available.
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