Well, let's conclude this series of posts by finding out how do you spot a "notario" or someone who is not an attorney who is practicing law without a license.
The first thing anyone should look for when sitting in the office of someone who claims to be an attorney or is practicing Immigration law is their law license. Law licenses are given by the state (or states) in which a person practices. The law license should be prominently displayed on the wall (NOTE: this is not just for "vanity" sake- it lets the consumer know that they are in the office of a licensed attorney).
The second clue should be on the person's business cards: the card shoudl clearly state that the person is an "attorney at law." Words such as "Immigration practitioner" or "consultant" or even "notary public" should be a dead giveaway that something is wrong.
Third, if an individual has any doubts, they should ask the person for their bar number. A bar number is issued by the state in which a person practices after the person has passed the bar exam to become an attorney. It is a number that is unique to each attorney and is not duplicated. If a person hesitates in giving a bar number, this is also a giveaway that something is wrong. Further, a person should be able to check with the State bar to see if the person is eligible to practice law. Texas, for example, provides a very well run website with information available to any interested party which provides information on all licensed Texas attorneys, including disciplinary information.
Fourth, the person should always be wary if the "practitioner" wants to do business in cash. Any reputable attorney will accept checks and most accept credit cards. Further, any reputable attorney will place in writing (a contract) just what legal services are being provided and how much these services will cost.
Incidentally, it is worth noting that there are Immigration practitioners that do practice Immigration law who are not attorneys. However, these are special exceptions and these people have been well trained and are qualified to practice Immigration law by writ of the Immigration service. Also, the vast majority of these practitioners work for charitable or humane organizations (e.g. Catholic Charities).
Remember once again - the unauthorized practice of law is a crime. Giving your confidential and personal Immigration information to someone who is not qualified to practice law can lead not only to losing money, but to an Immigration disaster. Always work with a qualified Immigration lawyer.
www.tauskvega.com
As always, have a great and fraud-free day.
--------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>gene tausk
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