Practicing Law Without a License

Any person who practices law in the Commonwealth of Kentucky without authorization from the Kentucky Supreme Court may be subject to an injunction or a finding of contempt by the Kentucky Supreme Court. Under SCR 3.460 the Kentucky Bar Association is authorized to initiate an investigation into any report of unauthorized practice of law. The unauthorized practice of law is also a misdemeanor criminal offense in violation of KRS 524.130, and it can be the subject of a criminal complaint issued by the county attorney of the county where the unauthorized practice occurs.

Violations

If you think a person or entity is practicing law without authorization to do so, you may report it to the Kentucky Bar Association for investigation. You are also encouraged to contact local law enforcement.

Filing a Complaint

Click here for the Unauthorized Practice of Law Complaint Form. You may also call our office at 502.564.3795 ext. 256 to request the form be mailed to you. These complaints should only relate to individuals who are not licensed to practice law in any jurisdiction. Complaints against attorneys who are licensed to practice law in another jurisdiction or whose license to practice law is suspended in Kentucky or another jurisdiction should file a Bar Complaint.

Unauthorized Practice Opinions

The Kentucky Bar Association Office of Bar Counsel has worked to make sure this set of unauthorized practice of law opinions is the most complete, accurate and reliable set available to the members of the bar or general public. As new opinions are issued, they will be added to this online listing.  

Advisory Opinion Request Form – Attorneys only to complete

Pursuant to SCR 3.530(6), attorneys and local bar associations may request advisory opinions if they are “in doubt as to the propriety of any course of conduct or act of any person or entity which may constitute the unauthorized practice of law.” This is not a UPL complaint, but it is an advisory opinion in response to a specific question. You may submit the Advisory Opinion Request Form here, and you may call the Office of Bar Counsel at 502-564-3795 ext. 256 if you have any questions. Also see SCR 3.530(9) regarding formal opinions, such as those listed above.