Disciplinary Counsel v. Jones

Summary

The Supreme Court of Ohio held that Thomas Jones Jr., who was not licensed to practice law, engaged in the unauthorized practice of law by preparing quitclaim deeds for property sellers. The court enjoined him from future unauthorized practice, including preparing legal papers for others, but declined to impose the recommended $10,000 civil penalty because he committed relatively few acts and did not charge a fee.

Holdings

1. An unlicensed person engages in the unauthorized practice of law by preparing legal documents, including deeds conveying real property, on behalf of another person.
2. Jones must be enjoined from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law, including attempts to prepare legal papers on behalf of any entity other than himself.
3. A civil penalty was not appropriate under the circumstances because Jones engaged in relatively few acts of unauthorized practice and did not charge a fee.

Questions Presented

1. Whether an unlicensed person who prepares quitclaim deeds for another person engages in the unauthorized practice of law.
2. Whether Jones should be enjoined from further unauthorized practice of law.
3. Whether a civil penalty should be imposed for Jones's unauthorized practice.

Disposition

other