Unauthorized practice of law in Michigan

The law in Michigan

Governing statute: Mich. Comp. Laws § 600.916; MRPC 5.5

Practicing law in Michigan without being an active member of the State Bar is a misdemeanor, and the Attorney Grievance Commission can pursue civil enforcement.

Penalties in Michigan

Misdemeanor (up to 1 year and $1,000), plus civil injunctions and restitution.

Notarios and immigration consultants

Michigan notaries are prohibited under MCL § 55.293 from advertising legal or immigration services or using foreign-language equivalents of 'attorney'.

Common hotspots

We see the highest concentration of UPL victims in Detroit metro, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Dearborn, and Ann Arbor. 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 Michigan lawyer

Before paying anyone who claims to be an attorney, look them up on State Bar of Michigan's official directory. If they aren't listed as active, they cannot legally represent you.

What you can recover in Michigan

• A refund of every dollar you paid.
• Statutory damages under Michigan's UPL and consumer-protection laws.
• Attorneys' fees in many cases — meaning it costs you nothing out of pocket.
• Referral to a licensed Michigan attorney to try to fix the underlying case.

How to report

1. File a complaint with State Bar of Michigan — most state bars have a dedicated UPL committee.
2. File a consumer complaint with the Michigan Attorney General.
3. Submit your case on this site for a free, confidential review — we'll match you with a licensed attorney who handles UPL recovery in Michigan.

Related scam types

• Notario fraud
• Immigration consultant scams
• Disbarred attorneys still 'practicing'
• Legal doc-prep mills