In re Nolo Press/Folk Law, Inc

No. 98-0724 (Tex. Apr. 15, 1999) ; Clearinghouse Number: 52254

Description

Self-Help Legal Publisher Wins Right to Compel Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee to Disclose Information

Abstract

Concluding that it lacked jurisdiction to issue mandamus in this instance, the Texas Supreme Court dismissed relator publisher’s petition for writ of mandamus, which sought to have the court require Texas’s unauthorized practice of law committee to disclose documents and information regarding committee’s rules and procedures. Relator publishes self-help legal books and software and was under investigation by committee for unauthorized practice of law. In response to notice of the investigation, relator sought information on committee’s procedures. Relying on a 1986 court order prohibiting such disclosure, committee declined to provide the requested information. Relator’s action alternatively sought to have the 1986 order clarified or modified. The court chose the latter course, vacating the 1986 order and ordering committee to comply with its newly enacted Rule 12, which governs the disclosure of Texas judicial records.

Additional Information

Docket Date
1999-04-15 00:00:00+00:00