Permanent Injunctions
(Updated June 2023)
ALA, TULAY, Wayne County Circuit Court case number 22-001425-CZ. Defendant held herself out as being a licensed attorney, collected fees in legal matters, but did not provide adequate or correct legal services. Defendant is enjoined from practicing law in any form in this state, either individually or through any business entity, or acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters, including the preparation of any legal documents on behalf of other persons. Injunctive order entered on July 6, 2022.
ALT, KAREN, Circuit Court of Muskegon County, #89-25719-AW, nonlawyer holding self out as lawyer. Defendant enjoined from "advertising or otherwise representing defendant as an attorney, rendering legal advice to, and drafting documents for another, and appearing on behalf of any other person or entity in negotiating a claim or transaction of any kind or nature." Stipulated injunction entered 2/26/90.
ANDERSON, ROY, d/b/a ROY'S PARALEGAL AND COPY SERVICE, Circuit Court of Wayne County, #95-520377-AZ, nonlawyer operating a "paralegal and copy service" which includes writing legal motions and briefs which are filed "pro se" by customers. Defendant enjoined from practicing law in any form in this state, either individually or through any business entity, acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters, including the preparation of any legal documents on behalf of other persons. Injunction entered 2/21/96.
BARTOLI, EDWARD, Circuit Court of Grand Traverse County, #91-9539-AW, inactive member of State Bar enjoined from "holding self out as person authorized to render legal services, adding, changing, or deleting language on any form document in which defendant is not a party, and answering questions or offering legal opinions." Injunction entered 4/16/92.
BEDDOW, STEPHEN, and ORIGINAL GOOD FAITH PRIVATIZATION, LLC, Case # 20-35249-CZ, Grand Traverse County Circuit Court. Defendants offered legal services, including drafting of wills and estate planning documents, and attempted to negotiate a debt release on behalf of a third party. Injunction entered on August 25, 2020. Defendants are enjoined from offering to provide legal services, advertising that they are able to provide legal services, providing legal advice, drafting legal forms, or acting as an intermediary for others with regard to legal matters.
BENNETT, DOUGLAS, Circuit Court of Wayne County, File # 99-905522-CZ. Nonlawyer who contended he has a constitutional right to practice law and attempted to represent third parties in criminal proceedings on numerous occasions. Mr. Bennett drafted and filed legal documents in these cases and rendered legal advice to third persons. Circuit Court entered a permanent injunction that enjoins respondent from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law on October 1, 1999. Defendant found in contempt of court on May 2, 2001 and sentenced to 35 days in Wayne County Jail for violating the permanent injunction. Defendant found in contempt of court on May 20, 2005, and sentenced to 30 days in Wayne County Jail for violating the permanent injunction.
BESS, RONALD, Circuit Court of Branch County, #97-12-769, Mr. Bess was affiliated with Michigan Group Associates who would contact senior citizens regarding the purchase of living trusts for $3,000. An injunction was entered by the court barring Mr. Bess from preparing estate planning documents on behalf of other persons. The injunction does allow Mr. Bess to engage in his present profession as an insurance agent. Injunction entered on December 15, 1998.
BLESSMAN, DEBORAH and M-CAP MINORITY COMMUNITY ALLIANCE PROGRAMS, Kent County Circuit Court, Case No. 19-09703-CZ. Nonlawyers who entered into a contingency fee agreement and drafted pleadings for a third party in a litigation matter. Defendants are enjoined from representing that they can provide legal services and from drafting pleadings on behalf of third parties.
BORGERS, TINA, Macomb County Circuit Court, Case No. 20-003875-CZ. The Defendant drafted pleadings for another person and attempted to represent that person in court. The Defendant continued to draft and file pleadings even after being cautioned by the Judge that she was engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. Defendant is enjoined from practicing law in any form in this state, either individually or through any business entity, or acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters, including the preparation of any legal documents on behalf of other persons. Injunction entered 05/04/2021.
BROWN, ANTHONY, Circuit Court of Wayne County, #99-906153 CZ, a nonlawyer preparing and filing divorce proceedings on behalf of third parties. Defendant collected a fee for these services, did not utilize "fill in the blank" forms, substituted his judgment despite directions to the contrary from his clients, and incorrectly drafted many of the documents. Injunction entered 6/18/99.
BROWN, JOHN B., Circuit Court of Washtenaw County, #89-37224-AW, nonlawyer holding self out as lawyer. Defendant enjoined from "advertising or otherwise representing self as an attorney, representing any party in any court of this state or any proceeding which involves the construction or interpretation of legal documents, advising any party regarding application of legal principles to a specific factual setting, and negotiating the terms of any agreement or the settlement of any claim." Injunction entered 8/16/89.
CHRISTIAN MEMORIAL CULTURAL CENTERS, Circuit Court of Oakland County, #76-144703-AZ, corporation and nonlawyer agents offering will and estate planning forms without lawyer review. Defendant enjoined from "preparing or typing wills or trust instruments" and from "counseling, advising or giving legal assistance in the drafting of wills", but was not enjoined from disseminating published materials and forms relating to wills, trusts, probate and estate planning. Defendant not enjoined from furnishing vouchers to customers to have wills or trusts prepared by an attorney of their choice or entering into arrangements with attorneys to have them prepare wills for customers. Original injunction entered 8/17/77; amended on 9/18/84.
COLE, JAMES JR., Wayne County Circuit Court Case No. 20-009288-CZ. Nonlawyer who drafted pleadings for third parties in probate and appellate matters. An injunctive order was entered by the Court barring Cole from drafting pleadings on behalf of a third party or holding himself out as being able to provide legal services. Injunction entered November 10, 2020.
CRUMPACKER, OWEN W., Circuit Court of Kalamazoo County, #C95-1815-AZ, disbarred Indiana lawyer holding himself out as attorney licensed in this state. Defendant enjoined from practicing law in any form in this state or from acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters. Defendant required to destroy all business or personal stationery, business cards or other printed material which identifies defendant as an attorney. Ordered to pay costs to State Bar. Injunction entered 11/17/95.
DAVIS, DUANE M.E., Circuit Court of Wayne County, #89-928593-CZ, nonlawyer holding self out as lawyer. Defendant enjoined from "advertising or holding self out as an attorney, lawyer, counsel, or specialist in any field of law, drafting documents for, giving legal advice to, or making appearances or communicating on behalf of any person." Injunction entered 2/1/90; contempt order entered 7/24/90, 30 days in jail, bond, costs and expenses. Arrested and convicted on 6/28/96 in Wayne County Circuit Court of felony offense of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses for accepting a fee to perform legal services. Sentenced 7/25/96 to six months in jail, three years probation and $7,903 in restitution.
DeFOE, ANTOINETTE, Circuit Court for the County of Berrien, 97-0756-CM, a paralegal engaging in activities that are reserved for attorneys. Defendant was hired to prepare a divorce and quit claim deed. The divorce judgment drafted by defendant stated there was no marital property but two years after the divorce defendant prepared a quit claim deed transferring property from the ex-husband to the ex-wife. This created a problem because the ex-husband had remarried and his current wife was entitled half of the property. The ex-wife was trying to sell the property but could not because a cloud on the title. Consent Judgment bars defendant from giving legal advice and preparing legal documents. Defendant can perform transcription services but she cannot add, delete, or change language to standardized forms. Defendant must also post notice of her limitation in her business office and pay the complainants $200. Injunction entered on 1/15/98.
EL-JIHAD, JIHAD, Circuit Court of Wayne County, 00-010016-CZ. Nonlawyer, also known as Marcus Gales, drafted legal documents and rendered legal advice to individuals seeking to obtain a divorce, operating a business known as the Legal Network. Defendant enjoined from drafting legal documents and from adding, changing, or deleting language when completing standardized forms, acting as intermediary of other persons with regard to legal matters, and from giving legal advice. Defendant also ordered to repay sums obtained from unlawful services.
ESTATE MANAGEMENT SERVICES, JACK MEYER, AND DAN R. HILL, Circuit Court, Gladwin County, 03-055-CZ. An Indiana Liability Company, operated by a nonlawyer and an Indiana lawyer, marketed and prepared estate planning documents for Michigan attorneys. The name of a Michigan attorney was used without her consent on several of the documents. A stipulated injunction was entered on April 13, 2004, allowing defendants to sell legal forms, provided that written notice is provided to the consumer that they are purchasing form documents that may not be tailored to their individual needs.
GARRETT, EUGENE THOMAS, Circuit Court Oakland County, 00-26115-CZ. Nonlawyer held himself out as a lawyer and operated a business known as Eugene Thomas Garrett and Associates. Garrett accepted money from individuals ostensibly to assist them in criminal and civil matters. He also drafted a quit claim deed. Defendant enjoined from drafting legal documents, acting as a legal intermediary, and holding himself out as an attorney, among other provisions. Defendant also ordered to repay sums obtained from unlawful services. Injunction entered 1/31/2001. In 2006 Garrett was found in contempt of court for violating the 2001 Injunction. He was sentenced to 220 days in jail and ordered to pay fines in the amount of $1,100.
GARLAND R. GRAZIER, a/k/a BUDDY GRAZIER, d/b/a PRO SE DOCUMENT COMPANY, Circuit Court of Shiawassee County, Case No.00-004655-CZ. Permanent Injunction entered 3/28/01. Nonlawyer was utilizing a computer program to market and sell will and trust kits to the public. Defendant and his employees, agents, and successors are enjoined from counseling or advising customers purchasing legal forms or selecting forms on their behalf; filling out such forms for anyone; offering orally or in writing, any explanation, summaries, or similar statements and documents containing legal advice concerning any estate planning forms or documents relating thereto.
GIBBONS, HANOE and FEDERAL ASSET MANAGEMENT, Wayne County Circuit Court, Case No. 23-002249-CB. Defendant Gibbons, a non-lawyer, drafted pleadings on behalf of third parties after having them sign a power of attorney (which Defendant also drafted). Defendant listed herself and Federal Asset Management as legal representatives of the third parties, and signed in to a Zoom hearing being held by the court. Injunctive order entered 08/18/2023. Defendants are enjoined from preparing legal pleadings, representing that they are qualified to provide legal advice and services, and representing individuals in court proceedings.
GREAT LAKES TITLE OF CADILLAC, INC., PATRICIA F. MARTIN, and ROBERT G. MARTIN, Circuit Court of Wexford County, #94-10836-CZ, nonlawyer agents of corporation preparing real estate documents. Defendants enjoined from drafting documents in which defendants are not a party and which purport to be tailored to a particular customer or particular transaction and may not add to, change, or delete language on preprinted forms or make suggestions or offer opinions about the applicability of a form or language to a particular transaction or particular customer. Defendants also enjoined from answering legal questions or offering comments or opinions regarding the terms, language, or effect of a particular document, or the claims, rights, or responsibilities of any person in a particular transaction or for a particular customer or party. Defendant not enjoined from providing standardized form documents, providing general instructions relating to those documents, and providing scrivener services to fill in blank spaces in form documents if the name and address of the dictating person appears on the form under the designation "prepared by." Injunction entered 5/24/95.
HALL, KEITH R., Circuit Court of Wayne County, #04-438894-CZ, nonlawyer who represented to third parties that he could assist them with various real estate matters. Victims lost their homes or other property due to Mr. Hall's conduct. Defendant drafted legal documents and gave legal advice to third parties.Injunction entered 7/01/05.
HARDEN, ROBERT D/B/A HARDEN ASSOCIATES, Circuit Court, Shiawassee County, # 98-2430-CZ. Mr. Harden was paid $1,200 by an individual to prepare a living trust, a pour over will, a durable power of attorney, and a durable power of attorney for healthcare, among other documents. The court entered a permanent injunction enjoining Mr. Harden from giving legal advice and drafting legal documents, etc. Mr. Harden was also required to return the $1,200 to the customer. Injunction entered 4/16/99.
HOPKINS, MARY LOU, d/b/a the MISSING LINK, Circuit Court for the County of Calhoun, #97-4299-CZ, a paralegal engaged in activities reserved for attorneys.Ms. Hopkins would assist individuals by giving legal advice and preparing legal divorce papers without the supervision of a licensed attorney. The activities of Ms. Hopkins exceeded those allowed under the Cramer decision. Injunction entered 10/7/98.
HUBER, DONALD G., a/k/a D. GRAVATT HUBER, Circuit Court of Ingham County, #91-68953-AW, disbarred lawyer holding self out as lawyer. Defendant enjoined from "holding self out as an attorney at law without also stating that license has been and remains revoked, drafting documents for another person except that defendant may provide and fill in forms at the direction of a party, giving legal advice or offering opinions to others regarding legal implications, communicating on behalf of others, making demands for payment, accepting assignment of legal claims, or acting as intermediary for another in any legal claim." Injunction entered 11/13/91.
KLOPENSTINE, CRAIG, Circuit Court of Jackson County, Case No. 98-087252, paralegal who has represented numerous "clients" without the supervision or direction of a licensed attorney. Mr. Klopenstine educated himself in the law while incarcerated. He served as a jailhouse lawyer and upon his release he continued to practice law. He claims to have a "constitutional right" to practice law. Permanent injunction was entered 12/4/98. Klopenstine and his assigns are enjoined from giving legal advice and preparing legal documents.
LINDQUIST, ERIC A., Circuit Court of Wayne County, #95-520381-CZ, nonlawyer agent and major shareholder of corporations attempting to represent the corporations during litigation. Defendant permanently enjoined from practicing law in any form in this state on behalf of any corporation or other person and from acting as representative or intermediary of other persons or entities with regard to their legal matters. Injunction entered 2/6/96.
LULGJURAJ, DAVID (DODA), Circuit Court of Macomb County, #97-1391-CZ, nonlawyer "travel agent" who also accepts fees for processing immigration filings with the U.S. Immigration Service. Defendant permanently enjoined from preparing legal documents for other persons, giving legal advice to any person regarding their particular legal matter, acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters, including immigration matters. Injunction entered 9/08/97.
LYONS, MICHAEL C. and MICHAEL C. LYONS & ASSOCIATES., Circuit Court of Wayne County, 01-127018 CZ, nonlawyer was drafting legal documents on behalf of third parties and was attempting to appear in court on their behalf. Defendant believed that he had the right to practice law pursuant to a power of attorney that was signed by a Michigan attorney prior to his death, ostensibly granting defendant the right to practice law under his "P" number. Injunction entered 3/5/02.
MAINARDI, MARGARET, Circuit Court of Wayne County, #91-123925-AW, nonlawyer assisting pro se litigants. Defendant permanently enjoined from "drafting legal documents, giving legal advice, adding, amending, and deleting language from legal form documents, selling or preparing forms for legal services other than preprinted standardized forms, acting as representative or intermediary of others with regard to legal matters, and hiring or contracting with licensed attorneys to provide legal services to others." Original injunction issued 2/28/92; Amended Order of Injunction entered 3/17/95. Also, in In the Matter of Bright, U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Eastern District of Michigan, #93-42713-S, the Bankruptcy Court permanently enjoined Mainardi from collecting raw data concerning debtor finances; actual preparation and filing for the debtor of Chapter 7 petitions, statements, and schedules; deciding what information should be placed on forms and in what format; adding language to standard forms not dictated by debtor and transcribed verbatim; responding to debtor questions regarding interpretation or definition of terms; showing debtors reference books; providing information about remedies and procedures available in the bankruptcy system; and acting as an intermediary between debtor and attorney selected by nonlawyer. Injunction issued 8/9/94.
MALLIN, GWENDOLYN, a/i/a GWENDOLYN SMITH, a/k/a WENDY SMITH, AND OPEN LEGAL SERVICES OF WEST MICHIGAN, Lake County Circuit Court, Case No. 19-9759-CZ, non-lawyer holding self out as lawyer, and office representing that it could provide legal services when it is not a law firm. Defendants are enjoined from representing that they can provide legal services, that they are a law firm or a licensed attorney, or that they are authorized to provide legal services within the State of Michigan.
MARSILJE, EDWARD H. AND THE TITLE OFFICE, INC., E.H.M., INC., Circuit Court of Ottawa County, #90-12350, title company drafting documents and giving legal advice. Defendants enjoined from "drafting documents in which defendants are not a party, adding, changing, or deleting language on preprinted forms, making suggestions or offering opinions about the applicability of a form of language to a particular transaction or customer, answering questions or offering opinions or comments regarding terms, language, or effect of a particular document with regard to a specific customer." Consent agreement and order for stipulated permanent injunction entered 8/13/90. Clarifying opinion entered 8/23/91.
MARTIN, RICHARD TRAVIS, AND CONSTITUTIONAL LAW GROUP, Ingham County Circuit Court case number 21-000336-CZ. Defendants offered and provided legal services without the assistance or oversight of a licensed attorney, including attempting to represent individual in court hearing. Defendants maintained a website which offers a variety of legal services. Defendant is enjoined from practicing law in any form in this state, either individually or through any business entity, leading the public to believe that they are authorized to provide legal services, or acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters, including the preparation of any legal documents on behalf of other persons. Injunction entered 01/07/2022.
McBRIDE, CHESTER, Circuit Court of Iosco County, #86-105971-CZ, nonlawyer holding self out as attorney. Defendant enjoined from "advertising or representing himself to be an attorney, representing any party other than himself in any court of this state, the construction or interpretation of any legal document, advising any party in any matter involving application of legal principles to a specific factual setting, or negotiating the settlement of any claim." injunction entered 1/8/87; permanent injunction entered 4/9/87.
MITCHELL, BEN, a/k/a BARRINGTON MITCHELL, Circuit Court of Wayne County, #89-915540-AW, nonlawyer holding self out as lawyer. Defendant enjoined from "advertising or representing himself to be an attorney, representing any party other than himself in any court of this state, the construction or interpretation of any legal document, advising any party in any matter involving application of legal principles to a specific factual setting, or negotiating the settlement of any claim." Injunction entered 1/7/87; default contempt order entered 8/8/89; bench warrant issued 8/8/89; second contempt order entered 5/9/90, 30 days in jail, bond, costs, and expenses. Arrested and convicted in Wayne County Recorder's Court, File No. 95-5294, of felony offense of Obtaining Money Under False Pretenses for accepting a fee to perform legal services. Sentenced on 7/20/95 to five years probation, alcohol treatment, community service, and restitution.
MURRAY, PAM, PROFESSIONAL BUSINESS SERVICE, AND MICHIGAN/GENESEE LEGAL TYPING SERVICE, Circuit Court of Genesee County, #92-14425-CZ, nonlawyer assisting pro se litigants and holding self out as lawyer. Defendants enjoined from "rendering legal advice, drafting legal documents, representing any other person or entity in negotiating any claim or transaction, adding, changing, or deleting language when completing form documents, and giving legal advice regarding testimony to be given to the courts of this state." Stipulated order for permanent injunction entered 7/10/92. Defendant found in contempt on 11/5/92 for failure to make restitution. Defendant also found in contempt on 7/19/93 for violating injunction by providing legal advice and drafting legal documents; was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
NANDA, KEN & KJ MGMT LP. Oakland County Circuit Court, Case No. 23-198202-CZ. Defendant Nanda, a non-lawyer, initiated and handled many litigation cases on behalf of the limited partnership, KJ Management, without retaining legal counsel, in violation of Michigan law. Injunctive order entered 03/29/2023. Defendant Nanda is enjoined from preparing legal pleadings on behalf of KJ Mgmt, LP; negotiating the resolution of legal disputes on behalf of KJ Mgmt; and representing the interests of KJ Mgmt in court proceedings.
PARTNERSHIP ARBITRATION, a partnership composed of JAMES H. McQUILLAN, J. STEPHEN STOUT, and KYLE ANDREWS, Circuit Court of Genesee County, #93-19858-CZ, nonlawyers assisting pro se litigants. The three individual defendants and the partnership are enjoined from holding themselves out to the public as qualified to render advice and service to persons interested in pursuing claims against Prudential Securities, Inc.; rendering counsel and a service to persons seeking to pursue claims against Prudential; furnishing or offering to furnish forms and documents with assistance in their completion to persons seeking to pursue claims against Prudential; representing parties in the initiation or prosecution of new and pending arbitration proceedings before any arbitration tribunal; and continuing to represent parties in the prosecution of arbitration proceedings before any arbitration tribunal. Injunction entered 12/3/93.
PEREZ-DELEON, EDGARDO, Circuit Court, Wayne County, Case No. 03-320403-CZ, nonlawyer married to a physician who acted as attorney for his physician/wife in workers compensation matters. Defendant sent demand letters, threatening legal action under his interpretation of the law. Defendant also had patients sign a consent allowing him to represent their legal interests against insurance companies. On several occasions, defendant attempted to represent both his wife's interest and a patient's interest in worker's compensation proceeding. Injunction does not prohibit defendant from representing his wife's interest in workers comp mediation and small claims matters, but he cannot represent anyone else in the same proceeding.
REID, KEVIN W., d/b/a TAXPAYERS DEFENSE LEAGUE, INC., GLOBAL TAX SOLUTIONS, INC., AND TAX DEFENSE COUNSEL, INC., Circuit Court of Ingham County, Case No. 02-711-CZ. Respondent operates a business ostensibly assisting other individuals with their tax matters with both the IRS and Michigan Department of Revenue. SBM received two complaints regarding respondent. Respondent provided the individuals with several legal documents, including a family trust and a living trust. Nonlawyer representation is allowed at the Michigan Department of Revenue and the extent of authority for nonlawyer representation on IRS matters is unclear; the injunction entered 8/27/02 enjoins respondent from drafting legal documents, choosing legal documents, and performing any services for others that may constitute the practice of law.
RICHMOND, REEJADE JENICE-DIAMOND and SEARCH FOR HER EXISTENCE ("S.H.E.") LLC. Oakland County Circuit Court Case No. 2021-187543-CZ. Permanent injunction entered 05/21/2021. Nonlawyer who held herself out as a licensed attorney, provided legal services and advice, and attempted to negotiate resolution of an employment dispute. Defendants are enjoined from offering to provide legal services, advertising that they are able to provide legal services, providing legal advice, drafting legal forms, or acting as an intermediary for others with regard to legal matters.
RITTENHOUSE, ALLEN J., Circuit Court of Dickinson County, Case No. D99-11114-CZ. Respondent is licensed to practice law in the state of Texas but has not been admitted to practice in the state of Michigan. Respondent gained admission to the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Michigan based upon his Texas license and operated a law office in Michigan. State Bar contended that respondent was practicing Michigan law in his bankruptcy practice and sought injunctions in both state and federal courts. Dickinson County Circuit Court entered a permanent injunction 8/18/00 prohibiting respondent from engaging in the practice of law in state law matters. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in In the Matter of Ernest J. Desilets, Debtor, 291 F.3d 925 (2002), held that Rittenhouse was properly admitted to the Federal District Court for the Western District of Michigan and he may practice in that court.
RODRIGUEZ, ALFREDO, Circuit Court for the County of Ottawa, Case No. 99-33794-CZ. Rodriguez was employed by a lawyer. In the course of his employment, Rodriguez held himself out as an attorney, collected attorney fees, gave legal advice, and acted as an attorney in immigration matters. Permanent injunction entered 1/07/00.
ROSALES, ESPERANZA, Circuit Court for the County of Van Buren, Case No. 97-43-356-CP-B, Rosales has an office in Hartford, Michigan, in which she gives legal services to the non-resident farm workers. She advertises and holds herself out as a "notario." In Mexico and other Latin American countries a "notario" is considered the equivalent of an attorney in the United States. Respondent does considerable INS immigration work for her customers and complaints against her date back to 1991. Farmworkers Legal Services initially filed suit against Ms. Rosales and the SBM intervened in the lawsuit. Rosales defaulted and never filed motion to set aside default. Rosales, however, consented to entered into a Consent Judgment that bars her from preparing legal documents, giving legal advice, holding herself out as an "notoria and/or abogada," etc. Consent Judgment entered 3/24/98.
ROWSER, THEDFORD A., Circuit Court of Oakland County, #95-509255-NZ, nonlawyer assisting pro se litigants. Defendant enjoined from preparing legal documents for other persons, and from adding, changing, or deleting language when completing legal form documents except when defendant is performing scrivener services to standardized documents as dictated by a party; giving legal advice to any person regarding their particular legal matter; and from acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters. Restitution also ordered. Injunction entered 7/03/96.
RUSSELL, VAYDA S., Circuit Court of Oakland County, # 01-034827-CZ, nonlawyer, holding herself out as an attorney and ostensibly representing the interests of third parties in a class action lawsuit. Defendant drafted legal documents, gave legal advice, and acted as an intermediary on behalf of third parties in a federal court proceeding. Oakland Circuit Court Judge Deborah Tyner issued a permanent injunction on April 10, 2002.
SAND, JEFFERY; SPEARING, DAVID; AND THE SAND GROUP, INC., Circuit Court of Macomb Count, #05-950-CV, nonlawyers holding themselves out as attorneys and a "law office." Sand and Spearing gave legal advice to third parties and prepared pleadings in Circuit Court as well as the Court of Appeals. They misrepresented The Sand Group as a "law office" in pleadings to the Court of Appeals. Injunction entered 10/31/05.
SNIVELY, TODD J., Circuit Court of Oakland County, #90-382576-CZ, nonlawyer assisting pro se litigants. Snively enjoined from "advising third parties of their legal rights under FCRA, that TRW, Inc. has violated one or more aspects of FCRA, that they are entitled to file lawsuits against TRW for alleged violations, and preparing complaints or other pleadings and documents on behalf of any other parties." Injunction entered 1/17/90.
STEELMAN, DAVID, d/b/a SOVEREIGNTY UNLIMITED, Circuit Court of Wexford County, #04-18238-CZ, nonlawyer assisting pro se litigants and in some instances filing pleadings as "attorney-in-fact." Defendant drafted legal documents and gave legal advice to third parties. Defendant claimed to be working with a licensed attorney and claimed to be a "sovereign man" not subject to the jurisdiction of the court. Injunction entered 8/30/04.
STULL, TIMOTHY, Kent County Circuit Court, Case No. 21-05854-CZ. Permanent injunction entered on November 30, 2021. Defendant is not a licensed attorney. Defendant provided legal advice to individuals in foreclosure proceedings, and provided “pro per” pleadings to individuals to facilitate litigation in foreclosure matters. Defendant is permanently enjoined from offering to provide legal services, advertising that they are able to provide legal services, providing legal advice, drafting legal forms, or acting as an intermediary for others with regard to legal matters.
TRAVIS, LEIGH, Circuit Court of Washtenaw County, #95-4861-AZ, nonlawyer Ph.D. assisting pro se litigants. Defendant enjoined from preparing documents which are not standardized form documents; from adding, changing, or deleting language when completing legal form documents, except when defendant is performing scrivener services; giving any legal opinions to any person, including opinions regarding testimony to be given in courts; and acting as representative or intermediary of any person with regard to their legal matters. Injunction entered 11/22/95.
TRAVIS, RICHARD T., Circuit Court of Oakland County, #84-281751-AZ, nonlawyer holding self out as lawyer. Defendant enjoined from "representing himself as an attorney or qualified to practice law, offer or undertake to provide legal services, drafting legal documents, representing or appearing for any person, and providing legal advice." Injunction entered 10/1/84; contempt order entered 2/8/85; second contempt order entered 1/23/90.
VICKREY, RICHARD, A/K/A DALE GORDON, TROUBLE SHOOTERS, INC., Circuit Court of Genesee County, #95-38098-AZ, nonlawyer assisting pro se litigants. Parties permanently enjoined from preparing legal documents for other persons, and from adding, changing, or deleting language when completing legal form documents, giving legal advice to any person regarding their particular legal matter, acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters, and must ensure that all advertising and information about defendant's services specify that defendants are not authorized to draft legal documents other than standardized forms, and only then if defendants provide only generalized instructions for completing the forms, and secretarial services to typing customer-dictated responses on the forms. Injunction entered 10/4/95.
WASHINGTON, MARY, A/K/A MARY LEE AVANT, LEGALWORKS USA, INC., BSC DIVORCES, INC., Michigan corporations and their successors, Circuit Court of Washtenaw County, #90-38759-CZ, corporation and nonlawyer agents giving advice and drafting documents for pro se litigants. The corporate defendants are enjoined from "drafting legal forms for another, giving legal advice to any person, adding, changing, or deleting language from legal form documents without the express instruction of a customer, that all advertising and information specify that defendants offer only the sale of preprinted standardized forms, generalized instructions for completing the forms, and secretarial services, acting as representative or intermediary of customers, and hiring or contracting with licensed lawyers to provide legal services for defendants' customers." Injunction entered 5/24/90; amended injunction entered 9/5/91; contempt order entered against LegalWorks USA, Inc. and BSC Divorces, Inc., 7/2/91. Mary Washington, individually, and Legal Point, Inc., were permanently enjoined in Berrien County, File No. 96-3275-CZ-G, from drafting legal documents for others and giving legal advice to any person, adding, amending, and deleting language in legal form documents, selling forms for legal services other than preprinted standardized forms, and acting as representative or intermediaries of customers with regard to their legal matters. Injunction entered 11/22/96.
WASHINGTON, TERRENCE LEE and Fait Accompli Services, LLC. Wayne County Circuit Court case number 21-002173-CZ. Defendants offered and provided legal services without the assistance or oversight of a licensed attorney. Defendants maintained a website which offers a variety of legal services. Defendant is enjoined from practicing law in any form in this state, either individually or through any business entity, leading the public to believe that they are authorized to provide legal services, or acting as representative or intermediary of other persons with regard to their legal matters, including the preparation of any legal documents on behalf of other persons. Injunction entered 07/01/2021.
WE THE PEOPLE USA, INC., Circuit Court of Kent County, #06-11883-CZ. Document preparation company was enjoined from: Providing oral or written legal advice; Construing or interpreting the legal effect of Michigan or federal laws and statutes on the particular factual circumstances; Selecting or recommending legal forms or documents; Preparing or completing, or assisting in the preparation or completion, of legal forms or documents; Advertising that it, or any of its agents or employees, selects or prepares legal forms or documents other than selling, typing, or notarizing legal forms; Advertising that it offers to customers or prospective customers in Michigan a "supervising attorney" who has prepared any legal form or document and/or will answer legal questions or give legal advice; Answering legal questions or determining the appropriateness of any legal form or document based on an individual's or entity's particular factual circumstances; Leading any individual or entity into believing that it or its officers, agents, servants, employees, independent contractors, franchisees, and anyone in active concert or participation with them are authorized to provide legal advice and/or legal services in Michigan or relating to Michigan law; and allowing any individual or entity to rely on its or its officers, agents, servants, employees, independent contractors, franchisees, and anyone in active concert or participation with them to properly select or prepare legal documents affecting an individual's or entity's legal rights in Michigan or under Michigan law. Consent Decree and Final Judgment entered 12/18/06.
WEBER, KENNETH, Circuit Court of Jackson County, #91-57909-CZ, nonlawyer assisting pro se litigants. Defendant enjoined from "selecting language for, drafting and completing legal form documents, giving legal advice to any person, acting as representative or intermediary of customers with regard to their legal matters, communicating on behalf of customers with the court, opposing parties or counsel, and from appearing at hearings on behalf of customers." Injunction entered 7/19/91.
WEBBER, M. JUDITH, Circuit Court, Isabella County, #99-1531-CZ. Nonlawyer drafting wills, trusts, power of attorney, and durable power of attorney for health care, in addition to other legal documents. Defendant enjoined from drafting legal documents, providing legal advice, and from adding, amending, or deleting language on legal forms. Injunction entered 1/28/00.
WILKINS, ANTHONY, Circuit Court of Kent County , #07-07793-CZ. Nonlawyer holding himself out either as a lawyer or paralegal and giving legal advice to third parties on criminal and immigration matters. Injunction entered 12/7/07.
WILSON, JOHN H., d/b/a UNIVERSITY LEGAL SERVICES, Circuit Court of Oakland County, #02-043580-CZ. Nonlawyer operated a business offering to research the "post-conviction remedies" available to incarcerated individuals. The business, for a substantial fee, claimed to perform legal research, advise the individual about his/her legal remedies, and then draft the necessary documents. Few, if any, services were ever provided. In addition, the company misappropriated the name of a validly licensed Michigan attorney, who was not affiliated with the business, in conducting this operation. Injunction against John Wilson and University Legal Services entered 1/29/03, enjoining defendant from drafting legal documents, providing legal advice, and providing legal services.
YAKER, BRADFORD THOMAS, Oakland County Circuit Court Case No. 21-190844-CZ. Permanent injunction entered on November 23, 2021. Defendant is a disbarred attorney who created an impression among others that he was able to practice law, and engaged in legal work without the supervision of a competent licensed attorney. Defendant is permanently enjoined from offering to provide legal services, advertising that they are able to provide legal services, providing legal advice, drafting legal forms, or acting as an intermediary for others with regard to legal matters.