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 Form

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

Consumer Tips & Alerts

• Unauthorized Practice of Law and How it Can Impact Your Family Law Case
• Be Wary of Unlicensed Individuals Who Try to Take Your Case
• A Practical Guide to Hiring a Lawyer
• Estate Planning —buyer beware!
• Unauthorized Practice of Law —facts & information
• Real Estate —buyer beware
• Immigration Law —don't be a victim!
• Michigan Immigrant Service Provider Reference Guide
• 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?

Contact Information

Linda Rawls
UPL Counsel
(517) 346-6305
lrawls@michbar.org

Amy Emmons
Paralegal
(517) 346-6343
aemmons@michbar.org

Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee