For Immediate Release 20 January 2025
The Legal Services Commission has successfully prosecuted another unlawful operator using Airtasker to lure unwitting victims of crime. Ms Jessica Louise Wager (aka Lindman), who is not a qualified nor licensed legal practitioner, created an Airtasker profile under the name ‘Jessica Louise’ and engaged with innocent users to unlawfully provide legal advice and other legal services.
Ms Wager was sentenced on Friday, 17 January 2025, in the Mackay Magistrates Court on 8 counts of engaging in legal practice when not an Australian Legal Practitioner and 12 counts of representing an entitlement to engage in legal practice when not entitled to do so.
On Airtasker, Ms Wager responded to posts seeking legal work, holding herself out as a solicitor, an experienced ‘all rounder’ and even representing that she was a senior solicitor of a large and reputable law firm, of which she was not associated with in any way.
Ms Wager further used the letterhead and email signature of this law firm in communications with clients and other parties. The work undertaken included giving legal advice regarding insurance and family court matters; drafting contracts, waivers, letters and cease and desist documents; reviewing parenting agreements and consent orders; and assisting with visa documents.
By her actions, Ms Wager represented that she was entitled to engage in legal practice when she was not entitled to do so, which is an offence under the Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld).
The Magistrate ordered that Ms Wager pay a $7,000 fine and the Commissioner’s costs of $1,000. The conviction was recorded, reflecting the seriousness of the offending, which the court acknowledged as striking at the heart of public confidence in the legal system.
Commissioner Megan Mahon has recognised the increase in unlawful operators using online platforms and social media to offer and advertise legal advice and unqualified legal services.
“The Commission will continue to respond to information about unlawful operators using online platforms and social media to advertise their unqualified services,” said Commissioner Mahon. “Fundamental to the protection of anyone seeking legal services is ensuring that those services are lawfully provided by qualified, licensed and insured practitioners”.
“I encourage everyone seeking assistance or advice in any legal matter to make sure that the provider of that advice is a qualified legal practitioner. Only then are they protected by the significant regulation and safeguards put in place by the operation of the Legal Profession Act in Queensland.”
Any suspected offences under the Legal Profession Act 2007, including possible unlawful providers, should be referred to the Legal Services Commission. Further information can be found at lsc.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Legal Services Commission, 07 3564 7726
