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What is the unauthorized practice of law?

When a person or company says or does something on behalf of another person that involves legal discretion or making a decision about legal matters, that is the practice of law. It is the unauthorized practice of law for a person to exercise legal discretion on behalf of another person, or practice law for another person, when they are not legally authorized to do so.

Complaint Forms

• Unauthorized Practice of Law Complaint Form PDF
  You will be asked to provide dates, specific facts regarding what happened, and all documents, including cancelled checks.

• Unauthorized Practice of Law Friend of the Court Complaint Form PDF
  You will be asked to briefly describe how your office became aware that a non-lawyer drafted legal documents and/or gave legal advice, and attach copies of the documents in question.

Consumer Tips & Alerts

• Foreclosure Assistance Links
• A Practical Guide to Hiring a Lawyer PDF
• Michigan - Immigrant Service Provider Reference Guide PDF
• State Bar Warns Public about Will and Trust Kits
• Frequently asked questions
  • Do I need a lawyer or can I do it myself?
  • Can a person who is not a lawyer draft documents or help me with my case?
  • How can I get an unauthorized practice of law complaint form?
  • How can I get an unauthorized practice of law Friend of the Court complaint form?
  • How do I find a lawyer?
  • What if my attorney took my money but didn't perform any services?
  • I want to file a complaint against an attorney, where do I start?
  • I want to file a complaint against a judge, where do I start?

Permanent Injunctions

In the News

Relevant Statutes and Case Law

Contact Information

Danon D. Goodrum-Garland
Professional Standards Investigative Counsel
(517) 346-6333
dggarland@mail.michbar.org

Amy Emmons
Legal Secretary
(517) 346-6416
aemmons@mail.michbar.org

Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee