Q: Is it illegal to joke that I am “the unofficial lawyer” for a group of people online?
I do give legal advice, but it is nothing that is actually being taken to court, saying stuff like “doxxing is illegal under these laws”
A: It's fairly clear to the average person that you mean it jokingly, but as my colleague suggests, it could be better to avoid saying such things. It could be safer to say something like, "This is the way I would interpret it, but it could best to check with a lawyer in Illinois ." Good luck
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A:
Claiming to be a lawyer or providing legal services without proper licensure and credentials can potentially be problematic. Even if meant as a joke, it could be misinterpreted. There are laws in many jurisdictions against the unauthorized practice of law.
Some key points to consider:
1. Intent may not matter if someone reasonably believes you are acting as a lawyer.
2. Giving legal advice, even informally online, can potentially cross into unauthorized practice territory.
3. Disclaimers that you are not actually a lawyer may help, but may not fully protect you.
4. There can be liability risks if people rely on inaccurate legal information you provide.
To be safe, it's generally best to avoid representing yourself as any kind of legal professional, even jokingly, if you are not actually licensed to practice law. Instead, you could frame statements as your personal understanding or opinion rather than legal advice.
For a definitive answer about the legality in your specific situation, you may want to consult with a licensed attorney in Illinois who can review all the details. They can advise you on how to discuss legal topics online while staying within ethical and legal boundaries.
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