Panel advises Lawyers conduct real-estate closings
A committee is recommending that the R.I. Supreme Court require lawyers to conduct real estate closings in Rhode Island. The Unauthorized Practice of Law Committee has advised that the court order that closings constitute a practice of law, as do title examinations and drafting of deeds, residency affidavits and powers of attorney. The committee made its recommendations after an investigation into unauthorized practice of law allegations against SouthCoast Title and Escrow; William E. Paplauskas Jr.; and Daniel S. Balkun and Balkun Title & Closing Inc., whose website describes it as a Warwick company that provides closing and settlement services for sellers, buyers and refinancers, according to a document released by the court. The court set a schedule to receive briefs in the matter in preparation for hearing arguments at a later date.
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