Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York
Plaintiff pro se executed a power of attorney to appoint me as his agent for claims and litigation. Can I litigate the case as though I am a plaintiff pro se? I am not an attorney. What are the things I am not allowed to do that the plaintiff pro se can do to litigate the case?
2 Answers from Attorneys
No, you can not appear in court nor will any reputable attorney deal with you at all. If you do anything relating to the case you open yourself to a charge of practicing law without a license.
The term "power of attorney" sometimes confuses laypeople. It authorizes the holder to make certain types of decisions on the principal's behalf, but it does not make the holder an attorney (aka an attorney at law), even on a limited basis. Only a licensed attorney can represent someone else in court.
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