On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania issued a public reprimand to Attorney Erik Mark Helbing for violations of professional conduct rules in multiple states. The decision followed a report and recommendation from the Hearing Committee, filed on March 21, 2025, which addressed Helbing’s actions in his debt relief and loan modification practice.
The case is entitled “Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Erik Mark Helbing,” with case no. 120 DB 2023.
The disciplinary action stemmed from a petition filed by the Office of Disciplinary Counsel on April 25, 2024, alleging misconduct in six client cases involving loan modification and debt relief services. The clients, residing in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, sought assistance through Helbing’s firm, Helbing Law Group (HLG).
The petition claimed Helbing violated rules in each state, including failure to consult clients about limitations on his conduct, charging unreasonable fees, and inadequate supervision of nonlawyer staff.
On June 12, 2024, Helbing, through his counsel, denied the allegations. However, on October 22, 2024, he stipulated to violations of rules in Georgia (GA RPC 1.4(a)(5), 1.5(a)), Indiana (IN RPC 1.4(a)(5), 1.5(a)), Kentucky (KY RPC 1.4(a)(5), 1.5(a)), Michigan (MI RPC 1.2(a), 1.5(a)), Ohio (OH RPC 1.5(a), 1.5(e)), and Pennsylvania (PA RPC 1.1, 1.3, 1.4(a)(5), 1.5(a), 5.3(a), 5.3(b)). Both parties recommended a public reprimand.
During a hearing on October 28, 2024, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel presented evidence, while Helbing testified and provided character witnesses. The committee’s report, based on stipulations and precedent, supported the reprimand, which the Board finalized on April 9, 2025.
Helbing acknowledged his failure to supervise staff, admitting responsibility for their errors. He testified to restructuring his practice to focus on fewer clients, aiming for better service. The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General also investigated HLG, resulting in a January 2024 Assurance of Voluntary Compliance after finding misrepresentations in debt relief services. Additionally, in November 2023, the Virginia State Bar publicly reprimanded Helbing for similar violations in a client matter.
Helbing expressed remorse, cooperated with the investigation, and has no prior disciplinary record. The Board determined that a public reprimand was appropriate, citing prior cases with similar misconduct. The decision requires Helbing to cover the costs of the investigation and prosecution.
The Disposition states:
“It is hereby ORDERED that ERIK MARK HELBING, of Schuylkill County, shall be subjected to PUBLIC REPRIMAND by the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania as provided in Rule 204(a)(5) of the Pennsylvania Rules of Disciplinary Enforcement. Costs shall be paid by the Respondent.”
According to Avvo.com, Mr. Helbing is a debt settlement attorney in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He attended Syracuse University College of Law, graduating in 2006. He acquired his law license in Pennsylvania in the same year.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
