Chapter 3: Case Questions: In re Reynoso, 477 F. 3.d 1117 (9th Cir. 2007) (Pages 111-114)

Critically, it then translated that information into responses to questions on the bankruptcy forms, and prepared the bankruptcy forms for filing using those responses. . .. In sum, for a fee, Frankfort provided customers with complete bankruptcy petitions. . . . This is materially indistinguishable from other cases in which individuals or corporations have been deemed bank- ruptcy preparers. ... Since "bankruptcy petition preparers" are- by definition-not attorneys, they are prohibited from practicing law. [Citations omitted.] . .. Several features of Frankfort's business, taken together, lead us to conclude that it engaged in the unauthorized practice of law. To begin, Frankfort held itself out as offering legal expertise. Its websites offered customers extensive advice on how to take advantage of so-called loop- holes in the bankruptcy code, promised services comparable to those of a "top-notch bankruptcy lawyer," and described its software as an "expert system . " ... The software did, indeed, go far beyond providing clerical services. It determined where (particularly, in which schedule) to place informa- tion provided by the debtor, selected exemptions for the debtor and supplied relevant legal citations. Providing such personalized guidance has been held to constitute the practice of law. [Citations omitted.] ... The judgment of the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel of the Ninth Circuit is affirmed