The purpose of this rule is to ensure that, when an LSC recipient files a complaint in a court of law or otherwise initiates or participates in litigation against a defendant or engages in pre-complaint settlement negotiations, the recipient identifies the plaintiff it represents to the defendant and ensures that the plaintiff has a colorable claim.

(a) When a recipient files a complaint in a court of law or otherwise initiates or participates in litigation against a defendant, or before a recipient engages in pre-complaint settlement negotiations with a prospective defendant on behalf of a client who has authorized it to file suit in the event that the settlement negotiations are unsuccessful, it shall:

(1) Identify each plaintiff it represents by name in any complaint it files, or in a separate notice provided to the defendant against whom the complaint is filed where disclosure in the complaint would be contrary to law or court rules or practice, and identify each plaintiff it represents to prospective defendants in pre-litigation settlement negotiations, unless a court of competent jurisdiction has entered an order protecting the client from such disclosure based on a finding, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing on the matter, of probable, serious harm to the plaintiff if the disclosure is not prevented; and

(2) Prepare a dated written statement signed by each plaintiff it represents, enumerating the particular facts supporting the complaint, insofar as they are known to the plaintiff when the statement is signed.

(b) The statement of facts must be written in English and, if necessary, in a language other than English that the plaintiff understands.

(c) In the event of an emergency, where the recipient reasonably believes that delay is likely to cause harm to a significant safety, property or liberty interest of the client, the recipient may proceed with the litigation or negotiation without a signed statement of facts, provided that the statement is prepared and signed as soon as possible thereafter.

(a) Written statements of facts prepared in accordance with this part are to be kept on file by the recipient and made available to the Corporation or to any Federal department or agency auditing or monitoring the activities of the recipient or to any auditor or monitor receiving Federal funds to audit or monitor on behalf of a Federal department or agency or on behalf of the Corporation.

(b) This part does not give any person or party other than those listed in paragraph (a) of this section any right of access to the plaintiff's written statement of facts, either in the lawsuit or through any other procedure. Access to the statement of facts by such other persons or parties is governed by applicable law and the discovery rules of the court in which the action is brought.

This part applies to cases for which private attorneys are compensated by the recipient as well as to those cases initiated by the recipient's staff.

Each recipient shall adopt written policies and procedures to guide its staff in complying with this part and shall maintain records sufficient to document the recipient's compliance with this part.