I have a friend who isn't a lawyer and has no actual law school training, but has a lot of experience in business dealings, like contracts and law of agency and such. Many others ask him for advice when they run into trouble and need to know what the law says regarding their business proceedings. He was saying that he is thinking of starting to charge for such advice. Since he isn't a lawyer, would that be legal? Would he need to include a disclaimer saying that he isn't an actual attorney?
2007-08-16 15:50:25 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
I imagine it would be very illegal. It would be like a "experienced person with medical procedures" acting as a doctor.
He could get sued I would imagine in certain situations.
2007-08-24 14:28:26 · answer #1 · answered by Me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No very The citizens Advice Bureau provide legal advice and many of the people working there are not lawyers. I think he is on a fine dividing line. He can not represent in open Court without a practising Certificate from the Law Society who will only grant one to admitted Solicitors. it is very expensive because of the insurance element if clients funds are held it is even more expensive.
2007-08-16 20:30:46 · answer #2 · answered by Scouse 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The disclaimer would be ineffective. He'd still be practicing Law without a license. He probably already is, some states don't quibble over whether or not a person charges a fee for the advice.
2007-08-16 15:55:23 · answer #3 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Big time, He can open himself up to being sued by a whole lot of real lawyers. Even a disclaimer may not be enough to protect him. As long as he is NOT charging for his advice he should preface it with.
"You understand that my advice is worth exactly what you have paid for it" Those were the words a guy who used to give me business advice always used.
2007-08-24 07:22:14 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No matter how u look at it. It is illegal in the state of Ohio 4 anyone 2 practice law without a license. Period. It is considered unethical.
2007-08-17 16:38:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's illegal to practice law without a license regardless whether or not one charges money for the advice, and regardless of any disclaimer.
Additionally, if your friend gives someone incompetent advice, he would be opening himself to a lawsuit for legal malpractice. One does not have to be licensed in a profession to be sued for malpractice -- practicing it, even illegally, is enough. I'm guessing he doesn't carry malpractice insurance -- does he?
2007-08-16 16:22:01 · answer #6 · answered by Rеdisca 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you offer legal advice within a state and is not admitted as well as in good standing with that state bar you are committing a crime which in some states is a felony
2007-08-16 16:09:27 · answer #7 · answered by goz1111 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
HE SHOULD NOT DO THAT. HE CAN'T PRACTICE LAW W/O A LICENSE.
2007-08-23 04:46:36 · answer #8 · answered by TURBOSC 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes most of the time
2016-05-20 18:39:44 · answer #9 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to "handelonthelaw.com" for further details
2007-08-16 16:08:44 · answer #10 · answered by Blue Hyena 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋