Unauthorized Practice of Law Prevention Act
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Create an account to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
The Unauthorized Practice of Law Prevention Act aims to prevent individuals who are not licensed attorneys from offering legal services for compensation in South Carolina. The bill defines ‘legal services’ broadly, including drafting legal documents and providing legal advice, and establishes criminal and civil penalties for those who violate the law. It also creates a process for attorneys to report potential violations and allows for the recovery of compensation received in violation of the act.
Key provisions
- Defines ‘legal services’ and ‘compensation’ for the purposes of the act.
- Prohibits unauthorized individuals from drafting legal documents for compensation.
- Prohibits unauthorized individuals from providing legal advice for compensation.
- Establishes criminal penalties for violations, including fines and imprisonment.
- Allows for civil enforcement, including injunctive relief and disgorgement of compensation.
- Requires attorneys to report potential violations to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel.
- Creates a process for the Attorney General to investigate and enforce the law.
- Provides for the recovery of compensation received in violation of the act.
Who is affected
- Individuals offering legal services for compensation without a license.
- Law firms and legal professionals.
- South Carolina residents seeking legal assistance.
Bill text
Read the latest version inline or switch to a previous version.
Text extraction is in progress. View the official source.
Arguments
Reasons offered for and against this legislation.
Arguments in favor
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours