Texas Supreme Court Defines Unauthorized Practice of Law for Title Companies: Hexter Title Establishes Boundaries for Abstract and Title Insurance Services

The Texas Supreme Court held that a title and abstract company engaged in unauthorized practice of law when it drew deeds, notes, mortgages and releases, furnished opinions on titles to real estate, and advised interested persons on legal effect of instruments for consideration. The Court rejected defenses that the company acted as agent for a title insurer, employed licensed attorneys, or made no direct charge for legal services.