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Attorney in FL Porn Sharing Lawsuit Not Actually Licensed in FL

By Cynthia Hsu, Esq. on March 07, 2012 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Attorney Terik Hashmi is representing some high-profile clients. Well, high-profile in the sense that they are highly litigious. He's one of the attorneys who is filing suits on behalf of his client Third Degree Films. The company makes pornographic movies. Their movies are being uploaded and shared via torrent websites.

That is why they are pursuing legal cases against individuals accused of file sharing.

Though, it seems that Hashmi may have acted a little too fast. Several defendants notified the Florida court that he wasn't licensed to practice law in the state. Um, oops?

That probably sums up the general feelings of those involved in the case. After all, making sure you get an attorney who is legally allowed to practice law in the jurisdiction you are in seems vital. It's such an essential first step that it's almost a no-brainer.

Hashmi is licensed as an attorney in Ohio, but lives and practices law in Florida, Courthouse News reports. The judge ordered Hashmi to respond to the allegations by Friday, March 9. Until the court rules on his qualifications, Hashmi cannot take action in any of the 27 cases, including trying to reach settlements or collect settlement payments.

Porn enthusiasts and other file sharers across the nation probably hope that Hashmi is unlicensed in Florida.

Third Degree has been, well, giving defendants the third degree. The company uses the court system to find out the names of defendants. It then contacts them and attempts to get a four-figure settlement, according to Ars Technica.

There is a certain shame or stigma attached to downloading porn, you know? Many defendants might prefer a quick settlement.

Though, now it seems that Third Degree's attorney may have landed himself into an embarrassing situation of his own.

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