Faculty in the News
In the News
Jailed Topekan maintains stance
Publication date: Nov. 1, 2009
Source: Topeka Capital-Journal
Author: Kevin Elliott
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An article in the Topeka Capital-Journal about a Topeka man jailed for his unauthorized practice of law quoted Suzanne Valdez, clinical associate professor of law.
The Capital-Journal wrote:
Suzanne Valdez, clinical associate professor at the University of Kansas School of Law, said information that would constitute legal advice under the law has been a bit muddy.
"Help with legalese has been an issue of debate," Valdez said.
For instance, Valdez said, court clerks can provide general information about dockets and court services but can't give advice on legal terminology or instructions on how to fill out forms.
"If you're not sure how to interpret a form or language, or follow through on procedure to have an action filed, you need the help of an attorney," Valdez said. "Those questions will lead to other questions that lead to questions about your case. It sort of opens a can of worms."
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Valdez said it is important to have licensed attorneys helping pro se clients, rather than "advocates," such as Price.
"He's one of the people who probably know enough to be dangerous," she said. "There's a lot of folks in prison that know something, and they become jailhouse lawyers. I don't question their intelligence, but they don't have the formal training."