Dressel v. Ameribank

With this case we determine whether a lender that charges a fee for the completion of standard mortgage documents engages in the unauthorized practice of law under MCL 450.681. The Court of Appeals held that the lender is so engaged and reversed a circuit court order granting summary disposition in favor of defendant. We conclude that such conduct does not constitute the practice of law and, accordingly, reverse the Court of Appeals judgment and reinstate the circuit court order in favor of defendant.

I. FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In 1997, plaintiffs obtained from defendant Ameribank a…