Aviso a Jeb Bush

FROM: DE: LIC. TERESITA DJ BARRERA

ASUNTO: VIOLACION de nuestros derechos civiles

FECHA: Abril 28, 2004

AFILIADO, MIEMBRO, ASOCIADO: NO PERMITAS QUE ESTA VIOLACION A TUS DERECHOS CIVILES Y CONSTITUCIONALES TOME LUGAR SIN PROTESTAR! DA TU APOYO Y ENVIA TU PROTESTA CON ESTA CARTA O TU CARTA DESEADA A LOS OFICIALES GUBERNAMENTALES Y ENTIDADES COMO POR EJEMPLO:

Senador Bob Graham, Web: graham.senate.gov; Representante Lincoln Diaz-Balart, web site www.house.gov/diaz-balart; Senator Tom Lee, www.leg.state.fl.us/Legislators/S10; Representante Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, web: www.house.gov/ros-lehtinen ; Representative Alcee Hastings, web: www.house.gov/alceehastings ; Senator Bill Nelson, web: billnelson.senate.gov; Hon. Governador Jeb Bush, Attn.: Tara H. Wainwright, D. Scheduling, web: www.flgov.com

RE: Proposed laws affecting foreign attorneys, paralegals/legal assistants in Florida

Dear Sir or Madam:

We are writing for your guidance and direction in helping us confront a very egregious situation here in Florida. I trust that you be able to review the contents of our many requests made since 1999 including the one to the Supreme Court of Florida.

We could provide copies of our correspondence with various Florida and United States officials over the past several years. A review of them should provide some insight into our plight here in Florida. We have not been able to secure a sympathetic ear to our pleas for justice thus far.

The problem we face here in Florida as independent paralegals, legal assistants, consultants and foreign attorneys is one of our very economic survival. Unfortunately, it seems that soon our very liberty will also be put in jeopardy for providing our services to our impoverished communities. In April 2002 the Florida Supreme Court, under the auspices of The Florida Bar, outlawed the practice of paralegals and legal assistants unless under the direct supervision of a member of the Florida Bar Only. The rules were promulgated by the Court, through The Florida Bar, despite the Court’s previous orders permitting non-lawyers paralegals/legal assistants to assist person in completing court-approved simplified legal forms for certain matters.

laws affecting paralegals, etc.

Now it seems that The Florida Bar has decided to take its assault on foreign attorneys working in Florida as independent paralegals and legal assistants to another, more abusive, level. An article in the April 15, 2004 issue of “The Florida Bar News” a copy is attached hereto, revealed that the Florida Legislator has all but approved a bill which would make the so called “Unlicenced Practice of Law” ( UPL ) by foreign lawyers- paralegals professionals a FELONY offense. I am sure that you can appreciate our consternation at this development.

We need help! Where can we turn to oppose the assault on our profession here in Florida? We are now in the untenable position of not being able to use the terms “paralegal”, “legal assistant”, “foreign attorney”, “doctor, juris doctor”, “notary” and other designations in our services. This is the case although we have members who with the equivalent of Juris Doctor from other countries and a Master of Laws degrees from United States. These people are also prohibited from operating an attorney membership, services or support services to attorneys. They are prohibited from using the term “attorney service bureau”, “legal related service office”, despite well-established case law that support the practice.

Please note that our membership is comprised of reputable, upstanding, responsible citizens who have a legitimate desire to serve our communities. We very much appreciate your interest and concern. How might our energies best be directed in combating this assault? To whom should we present our grievances? Your response to these queries and other insight into our problem would be much appreciated.

Respectfully yours,

Lic. Teresita DJ Barrera

Chief Executive Officer

HHP/dd

Enclosures:

as stated

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR FOREIGN ATTORNEYS
AVISO NOTICIA AMONESTACION DEL BAR