Massachusetts · UPL
Unauthorized practice of law in Massachusetts
If a notario, immigration consultant, disbarred attorney, or unlicensed 'legal service' took your money in Massachusetts, 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 Massachusetts
Governing statute: Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 221, §§ 41, 46, 46A
Massachusetts prohibits anyone not admitted by the Supreme Judicial Court from practicing law, holding themselves out as an attorney, or preparing legal documents for others.
Penalties in Massachusetts
Fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail per violation; the SJC and BBO can also seek civil injunctions and restitution.
Notarios and immigration consultants
M.G.L. c. 222, § 20 prohibits Massachusetts notaries from using the term 'notario público' or advertising immigration or legal services.
Common hotspots
We see the highest concentration of UPL victims in Greater Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, and New Bedford. 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 Massachusetts lawyer
Before paying anyone who claims to be an attorney, look them up on Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers's official directory. If they aren't listed as active, they cannot legally represent you.
What you can recover in Massachusetts
- A refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory damages under Massachusetts's UPL and consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in many cases — meaning it costs you nothing out of pocket.
- Referral to a licensed Massachusetts attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report
- File a complaint with Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers — most state bars have a dedicated UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts.
Related scam types
Frequently asked questions about UPL in Massachusetts
Is a notario a lawyer in Massachusetts?
No. In Massachusetts, only an active member of Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers 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 Massachusetts?
File a complaint with Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers and the Massachusetts Attorney General's consumer protection division. You can also submit your case on this page for a free, confidential review with a licensed Massachusetts attorney.
What are the penalties for unauthorized practice of law in Massachusetts?
Fine up to $500 and/or up to 6 months in jail per violation; the SJC and BBO can also seek civil injunctions and restitution.
Can I get my money back if a fake lawyer scammed me in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts attorney's license?
Search Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers's official public directory at https://www.massbbo.org/s/attorney-search. If the person isn't listed as an active member, they cannot legally represent you in Massachusetts.
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