Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law Mission Statement
Dated: July 11, 2007
The Committee on Unauthorized Practice of Law seeks to protect the public
against the unlawful practice of law in areas relating to interests in real
property. Toward that end, the committee takes part in the following and similar
activities:
- examines practices by corporations, individuals or others not admitted to
the bar that may violate the relevant provisions of the New York State Judiciary
Law and related statutes, rules or regulations;
- educates members of the Section, the Association and the general public with
respect to the appropriate role of lawyers and non-lawyers in real estate
transactions;
- monitors and recommends changes in the definition of the practice of law as
it relates to interests in real property, the proper role of non-lawyers, and
the penalties for unlawful practice;
- maintains liaison with the Association’s Special Committee on the Unlawful
Practice of Law, local bar association UPL committees, and the New York State
Attorney General with respect to issues and practices of concern to Section
members.
The committee generally holds in-person meetings at the Section’s summer and
annual meetings with additional meetings held, as needed, via telephone
conference. Members are also encouraged to communicate with the committee
upstate and/or downstate co-chairs at any time.