The Unauthorized Practice of Law

During the 2011 session, the Connecticut General Assembly clarified its stance on the Unauthorized Practice of Law by amending Connecticut General Statutes § 51-88 to increase the sanctions against parties who practice law without a valid license. While the uninitiated might think that the “Unauthorized Practice of Law” involves only charlatans or con artists who pose as lawyers, that is not the case. The real purpose behind the
amendment to the statute is to “allow for the prosecution of disbarred and suspended attorneys who practice law and to strengthen the penalty for the illegal practice of law.”

You see, licensed attorneys that have been subject to discipline—or even disbarment— are rarely forthcoming about these issues. Instead, many of them just keep trucking along and looking for new business. Oftentimes, it takes a practiced, diligent eye to identify lawyers that are engaging in the Unauthorized Practice of Law. If you suspect that a suspended or disbarred lawyer has taken your case—and your good money—
contact our office we can help if you have been damaged even if technically it is not legal malpractice.