Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Texas
Legal repercussions of assisting someone in filing Pro Se documents
I was a legal asst. for 10 yrs. Now I am a homemaker and many people call me regarding legal questions eventhough they are well-aware that I am not an attorney and have no legal degree of any kind. To what extent can I assist a friend, etc. with legal issues such as assisting them in preparing and filing pro se documents and research without suffering any possible legal repercussions against myself. Thank you.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Legal repercussions of assisting someone in filing Pro Se documents
The rules for giving legal assistance and advice are the same whether you are a legal assistant or a homemaker. You cannot do either in either situation without direct supervision by a licensed attorney.
A larger concern for you should be what civil liability will you have to a friend you are helping if something goes wrong? You will looked upon as the expert, and thus responsible for any problems.
Better advice to you may well be to learn to say "no" in the interests of your own standing with the unauthorized practice of law committee.
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