Chapter 481 — Board of Law Examiners; Examinations; Alternative Dispute Fees

481.01 Board of Law Examiners; Examinations; Alternative Dispute Fees Sets up Minnesota's Board of Law Examiners, which tests and admits people to practice law in the state. 481.02 Unauthorized Practice of Law Lists what counts as practicing law without a license and the exceptions where non-lawyers can do legal-type work. 481.03 Attorneys Shall Not Employ Solicitors Bars lawyers from hiring people to find or bring in clients for them. 481.04 Soliciting of Business by Persons Other Than Attorneys; Prohibition Makes it illegal for non-lawyers to solicit legal business on behalf of attorneys. 481.05 Violations; Penalties Sets penalties for unauthorized practice of law and illegal solicitation of legal business. 481.06 General Duties Describes the general duties attorneys owe to clients and the courts. 481.07 Penalties for Deceit or Collusion Sets penalties for attorneys who commit fraud or collude with opposing parties. 481.071 Misconduct by Attorneys Defines what counts as attorney misconduct and allows referral to the supreme court for discipline. 481.08 Authority States that an attorney may act on behalf of a client in any legal matter until properly removed. 481.09 Proof of Authority Explains how attorneys prove they have authority to act for someone in court. 481.10 Consultation With Persons Restrained Guarantees lawyers the right to visit and consult with clients who are jailed or confined. 481.11 Change of Attorney Explains how a client can switch to a new attorney during a case. 481.12 Disability; Substitution Covers what happens when an attorney becomes unable to continue a case due to death, removal, or disability. 481.13 Lien for Attorneys' Fees Gives attorneys a lien on a client's case to secure payment of legal fees. 481.14 Refusal to Surrender Property to Clients Makes it a misdemeanor for attorneys to wrongfully withhold client property or money. 481.15 Removal or Suspension Outlines when and how an attorney can be removed or suspended from the practice of law. 481.16 Certain Attorneys Not to Defend Certain Prosecutions; Penalty Prohibits prosecutors and their former assistants from defending people they previously prosecuted. 481.17 County, City, and School District Attorneys Explains rules for county, city, and school district attorneys regarding outside legal work. 481.18 This section has been repealed and is no longer in effect. 481.20 Client Security Account Creates a client security fund to reimburse people harmed by dishonest attorney conduct. 481.21 Bond Counsel Fees Requires attorneys to complete continuing legal education to keep their license. 481.22 Public Defender Fee Covers fees for admission to the bar and continuing legal education requirements.