I have a few thousand and I am thinking about starting my own law firm. I called the local bar and they said it was a crazy idea to do it and that they would not allow me to join the bar without a degree.
All I need to do is rent an office, get my business paperwork squared away, and open up shop.
I was told I need a letter from the bar association as one of many things in order to get my license to practice law.
According to the 1st Amendment, I can do this. IO would guess the grey area probably would be that I may be breaking a law if I call myself a lawyer. So I would have to call myself "Unlicensed Counsel". But anyone can represent anyone if the judge allows it.
So whats your take on this. Oh, and if you are a lawyer, judge, or anyone who works within the court system, I expect a professional reply.
2007-03-10 11:12:41 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
http://www.lawyerdude.8k.com/3789.html
2007-03-10 11:24:25 · update #1
I appreciate all the responses I have received. I want to let everyone know that I do not want to commit fraud. I know what it sounds like. Attorneys are great people and most provide a professional and adequate service. But some people cannot afford an attorney. Those people sometimes, would like an alternative between the public defender or having no defense at all. That is where I come in. I plan on learning a lot about the law and conducting myself in a professional, yet laid back manner. I just will not charge a lot for my services like most attorneys do. My time is valuable but I am not as qualified as an attorney. I am trying to help people out, not take their money. I plan on helping some people that also cannot pay. Thats what I want to do. No defraud someone. I will make it very clear I am not an attorney. Just wanted to clear that up.
2007-03-10 17:27:37 · update #2
In all US states, and most countries, only a licensed attorney can practice law. Doing so without a license is illegal.
And just calling yourself "unlicensed" isn't good enough. Most states define the Unauthorized Practice of Law (UPL) as any action where you are regularly (or advertise yourself as) providing legal advice to third parties, whether you get paid or not.
You are not correct that "anyone can represent anyone". You can represent yourself, or your minor children. But you cannot represent a third-party without violating UPL statutes. No judge in the country would allow it, regardless of what you may have seen on TV.
Once you are a licensed attorney, then sure, you can open up your own practice and create your own firm. I know lots of attorneys that do that. But until you are licensed, it's illegal, and the legal system acts very harshly in such situations.
2007-03-10 11:15:53 · answer #1 · answered by coragryph 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The first thing ANY lawyer needs to understand, is that the training is for them to understand WHAT the law is.
Since you clearly don't have a clue as to the law is, concerning WHO can or cannot practice law... you sure don't seem to see the contradiction here. Nor was I aware that the 1st Amendment was written to allow someone to commit fraud... which is what a person does, when they make claims to expertise that they do not have.
Persons who conduct themselves in a professional manner, are certainly entitled to expect professional replies back. I would expect professional answers from any person in the legal system.. of course, that would clearly indicate that you have a business (translation= paid) relationship with them.
2007-03-10 16:50:11 · answer #2 · answered by wendy c 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I consider myself a lawyer every time I stick my middle finger out the window because some jackhole just did something stupid in traffic. So yeah, I'll take that to court. But I don't think I own a tie.
2007-03-10 11:23:07 · answer #3 · answered by bubbasmith 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to practice law you must first pass the State Bar Exam. Without it you will not be able to go before a judge period.
No judge will permit it!
2007-03-10 11:18:35 · answer #4 · answered by Sgt 524 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
the thing is basically you would be what I would call a barrack room lawyer...........and that's worse than having NO legal training at all, is someone that thinks they can give out advice / counsel others.............
Think you would need to have some serious insurance to cover your many lawsuits................
and could also NOT see ANY bar association giving you a letter of recommendation, can you?
2007-03-10 11:19:50 · answer #5 · answered by candy g 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's quite irrational and far fetched...consider what you are saying. If you ever need a lawyer, would you hire one without an official lisence?
2007-03-10 11:17:42 · answer #6 · answered by Lindz911 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Give it up! Not Happening!!!
You should try getting yourself admitted to a good school of law.
2007-03-10 11:24:58 · answer #7 · answered by sally 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of luck
2007-03-10 11:15:47 · answer #8 · answered by Ferret 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yeah sure, and why not open a medical practice while you're at it too.
2007-03-10 11:23:32 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, good luck with that one.
2007-03-10 11:15:07 · answer #10 · answered by CC 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋