Missouri · Paralegals practicing law
Paralegals practicing law in Missouri
If a non-lawyer took your money in Missouri — under the guise of paralegals practicing law — Missouri law is on your side. Here's how the claim works.
Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team
Why this is illegal in Missouri
Paralegals must work under a licensed attorney. When one takes on clients directly or gives legal advice, it's UPL — even if they used to work at a real firm.
Missouri's UPL statute: Mo. Rev. Stat. § 484.020
Missouri prohibits anyone not licensed by the Supreme Court from engaging in the practice of law and lets private plaintiffs sue for treble damages plus attorneys' fees.
Penalties in Missouri
Misdemeanor (up to 6 months and $1,000); civil liability for treble the amount charged plus attorneys' fees under § 484.020.2.
What you can recover
- A full refund of every dollar you paid.
- Statutory or civil damages under Missouri's consumer-protection laws.
- Attorneys' fees in most cases — often no out-of-pocket cost.
- Referral to a licensed Missouri attorney to try to fix the underlying case.
How to report paralegals practicing law in Missouri
- File with The Missouri Bar — the state bar's UPL committee.
- File a consumer complaint with the Missouri Attorney General.
- Submit your case on this site for a free confidential review with a licensed Missouri attorney who handles UPL recovery.
Related resources
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