Where can you practice law?
The state of Maryland; the Executive Office of Immigration Review (immigration court); and the Immigration Board of Appeals.
Why can’t you practice law in my state?
The right to practice law in the United States is regulated by each state. Even the right to practice in federal court can be influenced by the state.
Isn’t there a unified government in the United States?
No. There are over 50 legal systems in the United States. Even though they share a similar system, much of everyday law comes from the states and not the federal government. Whatever power the U.S. Constitution gives to the federal government is limited. Everything else is left for the states to decide in their own constitutions. It’s almost like having 50 small countries loosely connected by a 51st country.
What is the difference between lawyers, notarios publicos, and notary publics?
Lawyers = notarios publicos
Notary Publics =/= notarios publicos
Despite the similar sounding names notary publics are NOT the same as notarios publicos. In many other countries, notarios are very similar to attorneys in the U.S. They are highly educated and given permission by a government authority to provide legal advice and draft documents. Notary publics can do no such thing in the U.S. unless they are an attorney as well. The purpose of notary publics in the U.S. is to witness the signing of documents and may not give legal advice.