Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

Attorney Status

Our company has received a letter (via regular mail) from an attorney who has been "consulted by" a person who has an issue with us. The letter is on the attorney's letterhead, identifying him as an Attorney At Law and identifies his office as being located in the state of California. It is a rather lengthy letter and expresses demands and an immediate response. I have investigated this attorney's bar membership on the CSBA website, and found him to be "Not Entitled To Practice Law in California" (why?), but has no disciplinary record. Is "consulting" in this manner different than practicing? Basically, I want to know if he can legally be representing people, and are we required to deal with him?


Asked on 12/12/99, 11:55 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Attorney Status

unless he is an active member he is not allowed to practice law which is what he is doing by sending that letter. Non-attorneys are not allowed to represent people. I suggest calling the bar to verify his status and if he is not active sent the bar a copy of the letter and file a formal complaint. If you are in So. Calif. and are looking for someone to handle the situation feel free to give me a call. I act as general counsel for a lot of small businesses.

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Answered on 12/13/99, 4:41 pm


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