Eduardo R. Pereira, of Victoria, consented to an order prohibiting him from engaging in the practice of law unless under the direct supervision and employment of a practising lawyer; from falsely representing himself as a lawyer; and from commencing, prosecuting or defending a proceeding in any court on behalf of others. In its petition, the Law Society alleged that Pereira (a self-described paralegal) appeared in court, gave legal advice, negotiated the settlement of a claim, drafted and filed materials in the court for a variety of persons for or in the expectation of a fee and while not supervised and employed by a practising lawyer. The Law Society alleged that, in one particular instance, Pereira negotiated the settlement of a personal injury claim on behalf of another, accepted the settlement funds and did not forward the funds to the client nor advise the client that the matter had settled. As a term of the injunction, Pereira is responsible for the Law Society’s costs and a restitution payment to the injured party. (October 23, 2013)
Related document:
2013-10-23-Pereira-ConsentOrder.pdf
If you have any questions or concerns with respect to unauthorized practice, or would like to report a possible instance of unauthorized practice, please phone the Law Society or email us at uap@lsbc.org.
For background information on unauthorized practice, visit What is Unauthorized Practice?
To file a complaint against someone you believe is providing unregulated legal services, contact the Law Society at uap@lsbc.org.