Opinion ID: 1401909
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Was the Petition a Nullity as a Sanction for the Unauthorized Practice of Law?

Text: The defendants assert, and the trial court agreed, that because the petition filed in this case was not signed by an attorney authorized to practice law in Missouri, it should be treated as a nullity. [2] Because it was a nullity, they argue, the statute of limitations barred this suit. This result is consistent with two court of appeals decisions: Wright v. State ex rel. Patchin, 994 S.W.2d 100, 102 (Mo.App. 1999), and State ex rel. Mather v. Carnes, 551 S.W.2d 272, 288 (Mo.App.1977)(lawyer not authorized to practice law filing petition, without more, suffices to nullify the pleadings); but see Strong v. Gilster Mary Lee Corp., 23 S.W.3d 234, 239 (Mo.App.2000)(representational activities included preparing and filing application for review as well as appearing on person's behalf at hearing). In this case, the filing was not a nullity. The purpose of declaring certain acts by those not authorized to practice law a nullity is to protect the public. That purpose is not served under the facts of this case. The accident occurred in Kentucky. The petition was prepared in Kentucky by a Kentucky attorney. The defendants contend Kentucky's statute of limitations is applicable. The petition was presented for filing by a Missouri attorney. Timely actions were taken to assure proper representation. Where in a particular case involving an individual the only issue of unauthorized practice is the signature on the petition required by Rule 55.03, the sanction of depriving the litigant of a cause of action is disproportionate to the harm. [3] Where a petition is not signed or signed by an improper person, Rule 55.03 provides the sanctionthe petition shall be stricken unless the omission is corrected promptly after being called to the attention of the attorney or party filing same. If the attorney is not authorized to sign the petition, the party should be notified. This will assure that the party obtains proper representation without the severe sanction of forfeiting a cause of action. To the extent they are to the contrary, Wright v. State ex rel. Patchin, 994 S.W.2d 100 (Mo.App.1999), and State ex rel. Mather v. Carnes, 551 S.W.2d 272 (Mo.App. 1977), are overruled. Under the facts of this case, the trial court incorrectly granted judgment to the defendants. That judgment is reversed, and the case is remanded. All Concur.