can you have someone who is not an attorney represent you?

by Dr. Sister Goldner 3 min read

In court cases, you can either represent yourself or be represented by a lawyer. Even for simple and routine matters, you can't go to court for someone else without a law license. Some federal and state agencies allow non-lawyers to represent others at administrative hearings.

What happens to a third person if you get it wrong?

Something else to consider is what happens to that third person if you're wrong on the law or on the rules of civil or criminal procedure? If you get it wrong, you will have caused potentially irreversible harm without having the knowledge about how to fix it...

Can you cite statutes if you are not practicing law?

You have adequately been cited the statut es. If you are helping to write or create motions, you may as long as you do not practice law. The help that you could give would be limited to grammar, spelling and such. Any substantive help could (and probably would) be construed as the unauthorized practice of law.

Is it a crime to practice law without a doctor?

The relevant charge is the unauthorized practice of law and it is a crime. Just like trying to practice medicine without being a doctor, these laws exist to protect the public and the litigants (sometimes from themselves.) If you choose to proceed in a matter pro se it is your right. However, you have an obligation to be well-versed in the law and you may not receive help in your pleadings from a third party who is...

Terry David Horner

First, the person holding the power of attorney is not the "power of attorney"; he or she is your "attorney in fact" (as opposed to an "attorney at law"). The "power of attorney" is the signed piece of paper that authorizes another to act on your behalf. Second, no, an attorney in fact cannot represent you in court. Only attorneys...

Ryan Michael Davidson

Not really. "Power of attorney" is simply an agency relationship, i.e., it permits the person vested with power of attorney to make legal decisions on your behalf. But representing someone in a legal proceeding is something else entirely. Only a licensed attorney can do that. The person who has been vested with power of...

Rixon Charles Rafter III

Only if the person to whom you have granted POA is a lawyer. Otherwise absolutely not.

What is a pro hac vice?

Pro hac vice admission is one procedure designed to help lawyers better serve their clients when there’s a need to combine subject matter experts with local counsel.

What does an out-of-state attorney do?

Generally, the out-of-state attorney must certify that they are in good standing in their state and promise to follow the rules of the state where they are seeking temporary admission. There are costs and filing fees associated with the pro hac vice process.

What is a legal niche?

The answer may be simpler than you think. Lawyers generally focus on one or several related areas of law (a legal niche). There’s a seemingly endless amount of legal niches – from family law to personal injury, to intellectual property (and beyond).

Do attorneys have to be licensed in the state?

Many people don’t realize that attorneys are licensed state by state. Not only do states have differing substantive laws, but many also have different procedures. This means it’s important to work with an attorney who is licensed in the state where you’re filing your lawsuit and familiar with local court rules.

Can an attorney represent you in another state?

It is possible (and occasionally beneficial) to be represented by an attorney licensed in another state. Some forms of representation, like mediation and arbitration, can be provided across state lines without special permission. If you’re considering a lawsuit, however, there are procedures that enable attorneys to represent clients out of state.

Can an attorney practice law in a state?

Generally, only attorneys licensed in a particular state can practice law there . The unauthorized practice of law is a serious violation and applies to non-lawyers acting as lawyers as well as attorneys that try to practice law in states where they are not licensed. There are some exceptions to this rule:

Can a lawyer represent a client in another state?

There are some exceptions to this rule: Lawyers can generally provide services in another state that do not require a court appearance, such as arbitration, mediation, and advising as in-house counsel. Out-of-state lawyers can also represent clients in another state when they work with a local lawyer.

What is Ernest V Linek?

Ernest V Linek (Unclaimed Profile) The identity of a client is usually considered to be confidential information - so the attorney was correct in not answering your question. Usually, it is only after the client grants permission to the lawyer to reveal the relationship - then the attorney is permitted to do so.

What happens if you don't disclose who you represent?

Furthermore, if you or your company is involved with litigation and represented by an attorney already, any other attorneys should never contact you but should go through your attorney directly. This is an ethical rule. If the person tries to contact you again instead of your attorney, let your attorney know right away.

What is the obligation of a real attorney?

A "real attorney" has an obligation to maintain client confidentiality and not tell any Tom, Dick or Harry who s/he represents unless the client has specifically authorized them to do so.

What happens if an attorney does not represent the client?

If the attorney does not represent the client, which I would ask to be confirmed in writing, then you have no obligation to provide any information regarding a case. In some situations, (such as if YOU were an attorney yourself), it would be an ethical violation for you to say anything.

Do you have to disclose who your client is?

There is no requirement that an attorney disclose who his client is, under most circumstances. You are right, it is very unusual for an attorney to call and not disclose who his client is. However, it can occur. However, you are under no obligation to answer any questions either.

Do you have to disclose the name of the client in a lawsuit?

In that case, the attorney doesn't need to disclose the name of the client. However, your situation sounds a little suspicious. If your company is involved in law suit with an individual, your company's attorney should be talking with the individual's attorney.

Can an attorney disclose who they are working for?

An attorney is not allowed to disclose who they are working for, unless they have that person's permission. Attorneys,for example, are not allowed to post a listing of their clients, unless each clients has given permission to be on the list. It is rarely in the client's best interest to have it revealed who their attorney is, and so the attorney should rarely ask to list such things. But, if an attorney is representing a person in a particular matter and if they are contacting an opposing party, then they should say who they are representing. But, this is not always the case and it depends what the situation is. For example, lawyers are allowed to act on someone's behalf and not reveal who they are working for, or even that they are working for anyone. This is often the case, especially in big real estate bargaining. However, if someone calls you for information and you are not satisfied that they have a right to know, you do not need to answer or give them any information at all. If a lawyer is representing a person and is going to discuss or negotiate on the person's behalf, they will let you know they are engaged to represent the person in that dealing. If there is a court case pending and a lawyer is officially representing a party, they will put their name on the court filings, and will often send letter saying whom they represent. Often, a lawyer may seek information on behalf of a client, but not want to reveal for whom they work. It is up to you to decide whether you wish to give such a person information. The one main thing a lawyer cannot do is lie and say they represent someone they do not represent. So if you ask a lawyer whom they represent in the matter, if anyone, the lawyer is not allowed to falsely name someone. But, they can refuse to answer, and you can refuse to discuss with them. However, in some locations, there are special rules about a lawyer acting as a real estate agent being allow to bluff certain things. To accurately answer your question, I would need all the details.

What is the phone number for hearing impaired people in California?

Hearing-impaired persons may call (800) 322-1700 (TDD) or (916) 322-1700 (TTY ). You can also find a list of mediation programs on the Web site of the California Department of Consumer Affairs ( www.dca.ca.gov/consumers/mediation_programs.shtml ).

How long does it take to hear a small claims case?

In most small claims courts, cases are heard within 30–40 days after filing the plaintiff ’s claim, but they are never set for earlier than 20 days or more than 70 days after the claim is filed. Most cases are heard on weekdays, but some courts also schedule evening and Saturday sessions.

How long can a tenant be out of state?

For instance, a tenant who is on active duty, and is transferred out of state for more than six months can ask a qualified person to file a small claims action on behalf of the tenant to recover a security deposit from a landlord, and to represent the tenant at the hearing.

What is the most challenging part of a lawsuit?

Collecting a court judgment is one of the most challenging and frustrating aspects of any lawsuit. The person who is obligated to pay the judgment may not have the money to pay it, or may simply refuse to pay it. Enforcement procedures are available, but these require extra effort and also money on your part.

How many lawsuits can a small claims court take?

They can bring more than two lawsuits over $2,500 in a calendar year. The fee for filing in small claims court depends on the amount ...

What is a small claims court?

Small claims court is a special court where disputes are resolved quickly and inexpensively. In small claims court, the rules are simplified and the hearing is informal. Attorneys are generally not allowed. The person who files the claim is called the plaintiff. The person against whom the claim is filed against is called the defendant.

Can a small claims court order a lawn mower?

Small claims courts may be able to order a defendant to do something, as long as a claim for money is also part of the lawsuit. If you are suing to get back the lawn mower you loaned to a neighbor, for instance, the court can order the return of the mower, or payment for the mower if it is not returned.

What to do if your attorney does not reply to email?

If your attorney does not reply via email, then you should call their office. A phone call is more direct and personal than an email. Since you speak to your lawyer over the telephone, you should be able to better gauge why they have not followed through with activities that you feel are important.

How to be proactive in a relationship with an attorney?

To be proactive from the beginning of your relationship with your attorney, the first thing that you can do is to let them know your concrete expectations. Some lawyers and clients will sign a contract with one another about expected fees, timetables, and the availability of the lawyer.

How to get your attorney's attention?

The best, most unobtrusive way to start getting your attorney’s attention is by sending them an email. Lawyers regularly check their emails, so it is a good way to see if someone from their office will respond to you. If your attorney does not reply via email, then you should call their office.

What are the problems with lawyers?

People have problems with their lawyers for a variety of reasons, but some of the main issues involve: 1 Fee conflicts 2 Issues involving communication or neglect 3 Competency problems 4 Ethical concerns

How to get your point across to your lawyer?

Sending a letter is another good way to get your point across to your lawyer. In the letter, you may want to state a specific date that you expect to hear from them, or that you want them to complete something. While going through the stages of a divorce, there are several deadlines that your lawyer will need to meet.

What are the concerns of hiring a lawyer?

Competency problems. Ethical concerns. Any of these areas can cause major concerns for people who have hired a lawyer to help protect their personal interests. If you have these types of concerns about your attorney, then you must be proactive about protecting your well-being, and proving your side of the case.

What happens when you file a complaint against a lawyer?

Once someone files a complaint about a particular lawyer with a governing board (such as the boards mentioned above), then an investigation occurs regarding the practice of that lawyer. The case is typically handed over to a grievance committee that reviews lawyers’ work and ethics.

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