Unlicensed Practice of Law Now a Felony in New York

New Law Takes Effect November of 2013

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation that will make the unlicensed practice of law a class E felony. 

"We have no tolerance for scam artists who pose as lawyers and deceive New Yorkers in need of legal help," Governor Cuomo said.

"This new law will help hold accountable individuals who defraud New Yorkers by offering services they are not licensed to provide accountable. I thank the bill sponsors for their efforts on this important legislation."

For most professions licensed by New York State, unlicensed practice constitutes a class E felony but under current law, unlicensed practice of law constitutes a misdemeanor. The new law will make serious instances of unlicensed practice of law a felony.

The new law takes effect November 1, 2013.