The question in Discipio , was whether documents in workers' compensation claims were documents which required a degree of legal skill and knowledge for comprehension and completion. In finding that the documents were indeed legal documents, the court found that the documents required legal rights be explained and that the documents had significant legal impact. Being compensated for performing work, such as completing pre-printed forms, is not the sole determinant of whether conduct is the practice of law. It is the combination of the nature of corporate documents filed with the Secretary of State, with the fact of compensating a nonlawyer for assisting in completing articles of incorporation and other corporate documents that constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. Articles of incorporation forms are not forms which allow just any nonlawyer to fulfill the requirements of the forms for another supplied by the State.
Authorized shares is another pitfall for nonlawyers attempting to incorporate.
When designating the class and par value of the shares of stock, the person attempting to incorporate needs to know the ramifications of each option and selection. Only lawyers are authorized to advise on such matters.