Opinion ID: 1242204
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Drafting power of attorney

Text: Respondent drafted a document entitled General Power of Attorney for Ms. Weiss naming respondent as her attorney-in-fact allowing him on her behalf to: 1) open, maintain, or close financial accounts including access to safe deposit boxes; 2) sell property; 3) purchase insurance; 4) collect debts and settle claims; 5) enter contracts; 6) exercise stock rights; 7) maintain or operate business; 8) employ professional and business assistance; 9) sell, lease, mortgage and other acts regarding real estate; 10) prepare, sign, and file documents. Respondent testified at his deposition that he drafted the power of attorney around July 20 because Ms. Weiss asked him to represent her regarding the sale of some of her real estate. Ms. Weiss signed the power of attorney at the hospital on July 31. It was filed on August 4. Respondent used the power of attorney to close the sale of Ms. Weiss's real estate on August 26, about a month before her death. There are no details regarding respondent's drafting of this document. It uses legal phrasing with two pages of text and is not a simple form with filled-in blanks. The document itself confers wide-ranging legal rights and would clearly require legal advice in its preparation. We conclude respondent engaged in the practice of law in drafting this document.