Pippa Lynn Henderson Carter, admitted to the Bar in 1989, was fined $30,000 by the Ohio Supreme Court for holding herself out as an attorney to assist a beneficiary in a probate matter; for notarizing deeds as "an attorney"; and for other offenses. She was disbarred in 2006.

In 2024, the Ohio Supreme Court issued an order commanding her to appear before the high court to explain why she shouldn't be held in contempt of her 2006 court order. She did not appear.

For each of five offenses since 2006, the Office of Disciplinary Counsel recommended a $6,000 fine, for a total of $30,000.

Lucas Daprile "Cleveland Heights lawyer was disbarred 17 years ago. She kept practicing" cleveland.com (Feb. 18, 2026).

Commentary

In order to protect the public, the Ohio Supreme Court has original jurisdiction over the admission to the practice of law in Ohio, the discipline of persons so admitted, and "all other matters relating to the practice of law," Ohio Const. art. IV, §2(B)(1)(g), which includes regulation of the unauthorized practice of law. Every state has a similar law.

The unauthorized practice of law can result in criminal penalties, which vary by state. For example, in New York, it is a Class E felony, with penalties that include up to four years in prison, fines, and restitution.

Before engaging with an opposing counsel, to be sure a person is an attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction, contact your state's bar association and ask.