Opinion No.

The Honorable Mike Everett State Senator 412 Broadway Marked Tree, AR 72365

Dear Senator Everett:

This is in response to your request for an opinion on whether a circuit clerk is obligated to refuse to file a deed that is not prepared by a lawyer for the reason that it amounts to the unauthorized practice of law.

You reference A.C.A. § 16-22-211, which prohibits corporations or voluntary associations from engaging in the practice of law. You also mentioned a 1955 case, and I am assuming that you are referring to Gaylor v. Gaylor, 224 Ark. 644, 275 S.W.2d 644 (1955). In Gaylor, the court held…