Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Florida

Helping Pro Se' Litigants

Can I litigate for a Pro Se Litigant in a court room if the litigant signs over a full power of attorney-in-fact even though I am not an attorney, paralegal, or ever having taken any law classes? I do not charge for my services which include putting together & filing motions as well as going to court with them. I only do this for people that cannot afford attorneys and are in extreme domestic violent situations which usually include divorce, custody & visitation issues as well as protective orders and emergency orders.


Asked on 10/24/01, 12:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony DeWitt Bartimus, Frickleton Robertson & Gorny, PC

Re: Helping Pro Se' Litigants

What you propose would run afoul of the "unauthorized practice of law" rules and would be inappropriate. The judge wouldn't let you speak for the litigant, and if you tried you'd probably wind up in jail for the unauthorized practice of law.

If you are interested in this, contact Legal Aid or some other similar agency and ask to volunteer your services 1 or 2 days a week with this kind of thing.

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Answered on 11/22/01, 4:11 pm


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