Senate Bill 300 Summary

• Amends Arkansas Code 16-22-211 to add an exception allowing nonprofit corporations and voluntary associations to represent or assist indigent, poor, or disadvantaged persons as clients in civil or criminal matters.

• Maintains existing prohibitions on corporations and associations practicing law, appearing as attorneys, furnishing legal services, or soliciting legal claims, with limited exceptions for for-profit entities engaged in title examination and insurance.

• Clarifies that having a duly admitted attorney on staff does not permit a corporation or association to engage in prohibited legal practice activities.

• Establishes penalties of $100 to $5,000 in fines for corporations or associations violating the statute, and the same fine range for individual officers, trustees, directors, agents, or employees who engage in or assist with prohibited acts.

• Preserves restrictions preventing corporations from rendering legal services that unlicensed persons cannot provide or from soliciting professional employment for lawyers.