Ohio State Bar Association v. Immigration Associates, L.L.C.

Summary

The Ohio Supreme Court approved a consent decree enjoining Immigration Associates, L.L.C., Barbara Abbitt, and Gerald Abbitt from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. The respondents were specifically prohibited from preparing or marketing immigration forms and documents, rendering advice concerning such forms, and representing themselves as knowledgeable in immigration law; no civil penalty was imposed.

Holdings

1. The Supreme Court of Ohio accepted the Board on the Unauthorized Practice of Law's recommendation and approved the parties' proposed consent decree.
2. Respondents were enjoined from activities constituting the unauthorized practice of law, including marketing, selling, or preparing immigration forms, applications, petitions, and supporting forms, and rendering advice concerning those documents.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Supreme Court of Ohio should approve the proposed consent decree addressing respondents' unauthorized practice of law.
2. Whether respondents should be enjoined from marketing, selling, or preparing immigration forms and from rendering advice concerning immigration forms, applications, or petitions.

Disposition

approved