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
While finalizing resolutions to be presented to the American Bar Association (ABA) House of Delegates in August, the ABA Commission on Ethics 20/20 continues to grapple with the issue of how technology impacts the unauthorized practice of law. The panel is seeking input about how technology, which now allows lawyers to practice in a jurisdiction without physically being present, affects Rule 5.5 of the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct. Download a white paper on the issue or read more in the ABA Journal. Comments should be submitted to Natalie Vera at natalia.vera@americanbar.org no later than July 31.
Davidson County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Binkley Jr. has ordered former Nashville attorney Michael H. Sneed to pay more than $18,000 in restitution to clients he represented while suspended and disbarred. Binkley also set of deadline of July 6 for affected clients to seek reimbursement. Sneed was suspended in February 2009 and then disbarred in early 2010. For approximately 18 months during that time he continued to represent clients. Binkley also directed Sneed to pay the state $154,000 in civil penalties.
How does the Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee work with attorneys and the public in protecting consumers from the unauthorized practice of law? Former Committee Chair Sean Lewis provides the answers.
The state has filed suit against a woman alleged to be engaging in legal services without a license, Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper and Commerce and Insurance Division of Consumer Affairs Director Gary Cordell announced today. Martha Salazar, doing business as Comunidad Hispana on Nolensville Road in Nashville, is named in the lawsuit, alleging she is providing legal services without being licensed as an attorney.
