Opinion ID: 1222121
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: the roundup matter

Text: The Prosecuting Committee also alleged that Depew was practicing law in contravention of his suspension by representing a limited partnership known as Roundup. The complaint alleges that from or about September 5, 1975, to September 25, 1975, Depew acted as attorney for Roundup in the sale of real property and other legal matters. The prosecution claims that the following actions by Depew constituted the unauthorized practice of law: determining what items needed to be paid to determine good title; investigating facts and conditions of title and making sure title was clear; investigating the procedure required to transfer a liquor license and doing so; Probably preparing the deeds; receiving the proceeds of the sale, distributing the same with an accounting and operating a trust to accomplish this; settling lawsuits; generally doing all things necessary to closing a sale; and receiving $1,500 designated as attorney's fees. Depew, on the other hand, maintained that he did no more, or even less, than would an employee of a bank or title insurance company. The Discipline Committee determined that there was some doubt whether Depew's actions constituted the practice of law and concluded that there was no basis for disciplinary sanctions with regard to the Roundup matter.