united-states professional-ethics disabilities
Can someone who has been disbarred act as a scribe for a disabled lawyer?
<p>I'm watching Better Call Saul right now and I'm at the bit where</p>
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<p> Jimmy is suspended and Kim gets in a car accident.</p>
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<p>It got me thinking: if someone were disbarred, would it be legal under US law for them to do act as a disabled lawyer's eyes or hands? Or would this in effect be practicing law without a license even if they are under direct instruction?</p>

<p>In New Mexico, where Better Call Saul is set, <a href="https://casetext.com/rule/new-mexico-court-rules/new-mexico-rules-of-professional-conduct/scope/article-5-law-firms-and-associations/rule-16-505-unauthorized-practice-of-law-multijurisdictional-practice-of-law-effective-december-31-2022" rel="noreferrer">N.M. R. Prof'l. Cond. 16-505</a> prohibits an attorney from employing a suspended or disbarred attorney as a law clerk or paralegal only if there is an order from the New Mexico Supreme Court or its disciplinary board prohibiting that appointment. I don't believe the show ever indicates there was such an order.</p>
<p>Other states have different rules. Some prohibit this type of activity altogether, while others permit an attorney to continue as a paralegal while suspended, but not after being disbarred. I believe some states merely require that the attorney disclose that she is using the services of an attorney who is under discipline.</p>
