Contract Work as a Student Forum

[Anonymous User]

I've taken Professional Responsibility and understand the issue of the unauthorized practice of law. However, I am trying to get some real, practical experience on my own and have been approached by a few small companies (based in OH and CA) looking for some legal/business help. The type of work they would like me to do is likely reviewing some contracts and company policies. To what extent can I work with these companies in a legal capacity?

I have read over this great resource from the ABA but wanted the input of others:
http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/ ... eckdam.pdf

Thank you for your help.

[holdencaulfield]

Sounds like a bad idea unless you are supervised by a licensed attorney.

[NotMyRealName09]

I've taken Professional Responsibility and understand the issue of the unauthorized practice of law. However, I am trying to get some real, practical experience on my own and have been approached by a few small companies (based in OH and CA) looking for some legal/business help. The type of work they would like me to do is likely reviewing some contracts and company policies. To what extent can I work with these companies in a legal capacity?

I have read over this great resource from the ABA but wanted the input of others:
http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/ ... eckdam.pdf

Thank you for your help.

So they want legal advice? Yeah no.

[Lockfast]

That sounds exactly like the unauthorized practice of law unless you've got yourself a bar number.

[Anonymous User]

That's what I thought. I'm just trying to get some practical experience and begin specializing, but I guess that will have to be restricted to school-sanctioned work and courses until I pass the bar. Thanks again for the input.

[Anonymous User]

I've taken Professional Responsibility and understand the issue of the unauthorized practice of law. However, I am trying to get some real, practical experience on my own and have been approached by a few small companies (based in OH and CA) looking for some legal/business help. The type of work they would like me to do is likely reviewing some contracts and company policies. To what extent can I work with these companies in a legal capacity?

I have read over this great resource from the ABA but wanted the input of others:
http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/ ... eckdam.pdf

Thank you for your help.

So this is just an idea and I'd like to see what others think.

So, small business owners can draft their own contracts, write their own incorporation documents etc. What if OP asks his company whether they would make him an minority owner, and maybe plus a small salary then as an owner he could draft their contracts using knowledge learned from school/other relevant legal experience. This way it wouldnt be unauthorized practice of law correct?

[Sup Kid]

I've taken Professional Responsibility and understand the issue of the unauthorized practice of law. However, I am trying to get some real, practical experience on my own and have been approached by a few small companies (based in OH and CA) looking for some legal/business help. The type of work they would like me to do is likely reviewing some contracts and company policies. To what extent can I work with these companies in a legal capacity?

I have read over this great resource from the ABA but wanted the input of others:
http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/ ... eckdam.pdf

Thank you for your help.

So this is just an idea and I'd like to see what others think.

So, small business owners can draft their own contracts, write their own incorporation documents etc. What if OP asks his company whether they would make him an minority owner, and maybe plus a small salary then as an owner he could draft their contracts using knowledge learned from school/other relevant legal experience. This way it wouldnt be unauthorized practice of law correct?

Anyone else find it ironic that OP is asking for legal advice on whether he can provide legal advice as a student, to a forum that is mostly law students?

OP - if this is really something you want to do, pay an ethics attorney for an hour of her time and let her tell you what you legally can and cannot do. Don't take chances by trying to get legal advice from TLS...