Unauthorized Practice of Law

For 17 years, Martha Salazar operated a business in South Nashville where thousands of Hispanics had immigration papers and other legal documents prepared. This week, Davidson County Judge Amanda McClendon ordered that Salazar pay back customers, pay $4,000 in attorney’s fees and pay $6,000 in civil penalties. So-called “notarios publico” provide low-cost legal assistance, often in immigrant communities. But according to state law, they must post that their services are not provided by a licensed attorney. State officials are asking consumers who have used Salazar’s services to contact the attorney general’s office at (615) 741-1671. Claims for reimbursements must be filed within the next six months. The Tennessean has more