Fake Lawyer Working on 60 Cases When Arrested

"A good actor" is how law enforcement, who arrested Tahir Malik, describe him. That might be an understatement. For about five years Malik, an ex-con, had been impersonating a lawyer for cases ranging from foreclosure to traffic offenses. When nabbed, the 47-year-old Malik was in the process of handling 60 cases, reports the EvanstonPatch.

Many of his clients, upon being interviewed by authorities, gushed how pleased they were with the results Malik obtained for them. He took only cash and charged between $500 and $4,500 a case. He learned about law it seems not by attending law school, but from what he picked up from his own arrests. A tale right out 'Catch Me If You Can,' Malik was observant and bright enough to understand what motions to file and what documents were required.

His luck ran out when he represented a client at the Skokie, Ill., courthouse hearing. Perhaps he was just off his acting game. Officials asked about his credentials and that was the end of Malik's career as a "lawyer."

Malik's success is a strong argument for returning to the apprentice system of learning to practice law. Such an approach sure did right by Abraham Lincoln. More importantly, apprenticeships might just lead to a job -- something law school is doing less and less of these days. Issues relating to the viability of law school in the current economic climate are brought up in the The New York Times article "Is Law School a Losing Game?" Unlike Malik, too many of those who do manage to graduate from law school can't find work practicing law and often owe six-figure student loan debts.