Wisconsin · Paralegals practicing law

Paralegals practicing law in Wisconsin

If a non-lawyer took your money in Wisconsin — under the guise of paralegals practicing law — Wisconsin law is on your side. Here's how the claim works.

Reviewed July 2026 by the FakeLawyerReport editorial team

Why this is illegal in Wisconsin

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.

Wisconsin's UPL statute: Wis. Stat. § 757.30; SCR 23

Wisconsin makes UPL a criminal offense and empowers the State Bar's Standing Committee on the UPL to seek injunctions in the Wisconsin Supreme Court.

Penalties in Wisconsin

Fine of $50–$500 and/or up to one year in county jail per violation; civil injunctions ordered by the Supreme Court.

What you can recover

  • A full refund of every dollar you paid.
  • Statutory or civil damages under Wisconsin's consumer-protection laws.
  • Attorneys' fees in most cases — often no out-of-pocket cost.
  • Referral to a licensed Wisconsin attorney to try to fix the underlying case.

How to report paralegals practicing law in Wisconsin

  1. File with State Bar of Wisconsin — the state bar's UPL committee.
  2. File a consumer complaint with the Wisconsin Attorney General.
  3. Submit your case on this site for a free confidential review with a licensed Wisconsin attorney who handles UPL recovery.

Related resources

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