Real Estate Closing Services Provided by Non-lawyers

In many states, both lawyers and non-lawyers compete to provide real estate closing services to consumers.

The Antitrust Division advises states to reject laws that prohibit non-lawyers from providing real estate closing services. This page provides details on the Division’s efforts in selected states:

American Bar Association

December 20, 2002

Comments to the American Bar Association on the Proposed Model Definition of the Practice of Law

Georgia

March 20, 2003

Comments to the State Bar of Georgia on Potential Unlicensed Practice of Law Opinion Regarding Real Estate Closing Activity

Indiana

October 1, 2003

Comments to the Indiana State Bar Association on the Draft Proposed Amendment to Indiana Supreme Court Admissions & Discipline Rule 24 Regarding Unauthorized Practice of Law

Kansas

February 4, 2005

Comments to the Kansas Bar Association on the Proposed Definition of the Practice of Law

Kentucky

June 10, 1999

Comments to the Kentucky Bar Association on the Proposed Opinion KBA U-58 Prohibiting Real Estate Closings By Non-Attorneys

September 10, 1997

Comments to the Kentucky Bar Association on the Proposed Opinion Prohibiting Real Estate Closings By Non-Attorneys

Massachusetts

December 16, 2004

Comments to the Massachusetts Bar Association on the Draft Proposed Definition of the Practice of Law in Massachusetts

October 6, 2004

Comments to the Massachusetts House of Representatives on House Bill 180 Concerning Legislation of Non-Lawyer Competition for Real Estate Closings

North Carolina

July 11, 2002

Comments to the North Carolina State Bar on Proposed Opinions Concerning Non-Attorneys’ Involvement in Real Estate Transactions

December 14, 2001

Comments to the North Carolina State Bar on Opinions Restricting Involvement of Non-Attorneys in Real Estate Closings and Refinancing Transactions

Rhode Island

June 30, 2003

Comments to the Rhode Island Senate on House Bill No. 5936, Proposed Restrictions on Competition from Non-Attorneys in Real Estate Closing Activities

March 28, 2003

Comments to the Rhode Island House of Representatives on Proposed Bills H. 5936 and H. 5639, Proposed Restrictions on Competition from Non-Attorneys in Real Estate Closing Activities

March 29, 2002

Comments to the Rhode Island House of Representativeson on Proposed Bill H. 7462, Restricting Competition from Non-Attorneys in Real Estate Closing Activities