Louisiana · UPL
Unauthorized practice of law in Louisiana
If a notario, immigration consultant, disbarred attorney, or unlicensed 'legal service' took your money in Louisiana, you have real remedies under state law. Here's how it works — and how to recover.
Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team
The law in Louisiana
Governing statute: La. R.S. 37:213
Louisiana prohibits unauthorized practice as a criminal offense; the Louisiana State Bar Association's UPL Committee investigates and can refer cases to the district attorney.
Penalties in Louisiana
Fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years for each violation, plus civil injunctions.
Notarios and immigration consultants
Louisiana civil-law notaries have broader authority than notaries in other states, but they still cannot represent clients in court or hold themselves out as attorneys unless separately licensed.
Common hotspots
We see the highest concentration of UPL victims in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, Lafayette, and Lake Charles. Scam operators often cluster near immigration offices, family courts, and low-income housing courts — anywhere people need legal help and can't easily afford a licensed attorney.
How to verify a Louisiana lawyer
Before paying anyone who claims to be an attorney, look them up on Louisiana State Bar Association's official directory. If they aren't listed as active, they cannot legally represent you.
What you can recover in Louisiana
- A refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory damages under Louisiana's UPL and consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in many cases — meaning it costs you nothing out of pocket.
- Referral to a licensed Louisiana attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report
- File a complaint with Louisiana State Bar Association — most state bars have a dedicated UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the Louisiana Attorney General.
- Submit your case on this site for a free, confidential review — we'll match you with a licensed attorney who handles UPL recovery in Louisiana.
Related scam types
Frequently asked questions about UPL in Louisiana
Is a notario a lawyer in Louisiana?
No. In Louisiana, only an active member of Louisiana State Bar Association may practice law. A notary public — even one who advertises as a 'notario' — cannot give legal advice, fill out immigration forms for you, or represent you.
How do I report a fake lawyer in Louisiana?
File a complaint with Louisiana State Bar Association and the Louisiana Attorney General's consumer protection division. You can also submit your case on this page for a free, confidential review with a licensed Louisiana attorney.
What are the penalties for unauthorized practice of law in Louisiana?
Fine up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to 2 years for each violation, plus civil injunctions.
Can I get my money back if a fake lawyer scammed me in Louisiana?
Yes. Louisiana law allows victims of UPL to recover a full refund of what they paid, plus statutory or civil damages, and in many cases attorneys' fees — meaning it can cost you nothing out of pocket.
How do I verify a Louisiana attorney's license?
Search Louisiana State Bar Association's official public directory at https://members.lsba.org/Public/OnlineDirectory/Public_Dir.aspx. If the person isn't listed as an active member, they cannot legally represent you in Louisiana.
Were you harmed by a fake lawyer?
Get a free, confidential case review. About a minute — no cost, no obligation.
Report a fake lawyer