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Consequences for an attorney practicing law with an active WA state license

What legal ramifications occur if a bar associate practices law without a current active law license? This person is supplying legal advice to family members without an active license regarding family issues pertaining to tax issues for elderly parents.

Also, this unlicensed person resides in another state from where the family members reside. Since laws vary state to state, how can this person bring the law across state lines without legal verification?

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Attorney answers (4)

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Reputation Level 20
Practicing law without a license is illegal in most states. It follows that interstate advice would also be illegal. Check out this person with the WA state bar association.
1 person marked this answer as good

Reputation Level 15
Unauthorized practice of law is very dangerous and can lead to disaster for persons who act on the advice of someone who is ignorant of the law in the particular jurisdiction that is relevant to the question.
However, discussing legal issues with family members does not always rise to the level of UPL.

Reputation Level 10
I agree that lacking a license is probably illegal in all states, with that said don't be afraid to consider the advice given by someone who is well meaning. If they attempt to collect a fee, hold money or file any type of papers I would strongly recommend contacting a licensed local member of the bar or your state bar association for advice on how to proceed.

Reputation Level 19
It's not clear from your question if offering tax advise arises to the level of practicing law. Also what is a "bar associate," I personally am unfamilar with that term.

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