Fighting for Integrity: Shane Lazenby’s RICO Case Against Illegal Case Running in Georgia

At Lazenby Law Group, we believe in earning the trust of every client who walks through our doors. That trust is built on integrity, accountability, and a deep respect for the law. That’s why we’ve taken a bold stand against what we believe to be one of the most troubling violations of legal ethics in our state—illegal case running.

On June 11, 2025, our team—represented by counsel from Cook Law Group—argued before the Georgia Court of Appeals in a case that aims to expose and stop what we believe is a widespread scheme of unlawful attorney solicitation. We filed this case after uncovering conduct we view not only as unethical but illegal: lawyers and their agents using confidential accident data to target injury victims before police reports even become public.

This is not just an isolated event. This practice has grown into a criminal enterprise, with repeated offenses, conspirators, and profits derived from behavior that disrespects both victims and the justice system.

The Case So Far: Our Fight in the Courts

The most progression has occurred in one of our “running” cases that was originally filed in Gwinnett County.  The law firm of Cambre & Associates and its affiliates engaged in a recurring pattern of case running—soliciting personal injury clients through improper and potentially unlawful access to crash data.

The defendants attempted to dismiss the lawsuit, claiming we lacked standing and failed to show direct injury. But the trial court disagreed, allowing our claims under Georgia’s RICO statute and common law property rights to proceed. The defendants then appealed.

Now, on appeal, they argue that no one—not even another attorney harmed by this conduct—has a right to stop it. They suggest that unless you can prove a stolen client hired them, you can’t seek justice. We strongly disagree.

Our Legal Argument: Protecting the Right to Do Business

Lazenby Law Group has a vested interest in the case, but the party to the case is actually our very own Shane Lazenby.  Shane is the actual injured Plaintiff.  Shane is represented by Cook Law Group.  Matt had this to state to the Court of Appeals: “Is this state going to say there’s civil immunity for lawyers who illegally run cases to harm their competitors?” The right to lawfully practice and grow a legal business is a protected property interest—and interference with that right through unlawful solicitation is both tortious and, in this case, part of a pattern of racketeering activity.

Our case centers around O.C.G.A. § 51-9-1, a Georgia statute that dates back to the 1800s, which provides a cause of action when someone unlawfully interferes with another’s property rights. We allege that the conduct at issue—accessing wreck data and contacting accident victims before anyone else even has a chance—deprives honest attorneys of legitimate business opportunities.

In addition, Cambre & Associates have violated the Georgia RICO statute and the Georgia Computer Systems Protection Act, by the misusing computer systems to obtain personal data which constitutes a predicate act in a larger criminal enterprise.

Why It Matters: Upholding the Legal Profession

At its core, this case isn’t about money. It’s about the future of our profession.

If conduct like this goes unchecked—if firms are allowed to exploit vulnerable individuals for profit before other ethical lawyers can even offer their help—then the public loses faith in all of us. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard.

There have been too few prosecutions and too little oversight of this issue, even though the damage is real. The absence of law enforcement action does not excuse or validate this behavior. As lawyers, we have a duty to hold the line when others won’t.

Looking Ahead: What This Appeal Means

The Georgia Court of Appeals now has the opportunity to affirm that unethical conduct that harms fellow attorneys and the public cannot be shielded behind technicalities. We’re proud to have Shane represented by Cook Law Group in leading the charge on this case and hopeful that the Court will once again uphold the principle that no one is above the law—especially those who are sworn to uphold it.

Whether you’re a member of the public or the legal community, we invite you to follow along as this important case progresses. At Lazenby Law Group, we’re committed to fighting for justice—not just in the courtroom, but for the profession as a whole.

For press inquiries or to learn more about the case, contact Lazenby Law Group.