Chicago-based firm discovers that one if its associates is unlicensed

Chicago-based multinational law firm Clausen Miller has discovered that one of its own ranks was not in fact a qualified attorney. Associate Mark Pastuszak worked in the firm’s office in Mercer County, New Jersey, from January 2009, signing pleadings and appearing in court despite the fact that he was not qualified to do so. According to reports, Pastuszak has also previously worked for New York’s Lester Schwab Katz & Dwyer, and New Jersey judiciary officials are currently trying to determine whether he was a clerk for a Superior Court judge. In New Jersey, unauthorized practice of law can be treated as a disorderly persons offense or a fourth-degree offense, which carries a potential 18-month prison sentence and a $10,000 fine.

Chicago-based firm discovers that one if its associates is unlicensed dailybusinessreview.com Tue, Jul 12, 2011