SPEARS' ATTORNEY 'HAS NO AUTHORITY' TO ACT ON HER BEHALF

LATEST: An lawyer who claimed to represent BRITNEY SPEARS is not her attorney and has no authority to act on her behalf, a judge has ruled.

Earlier this month (Feb08), Jon Earley, who has practices in New York and Washington, D.C. filed a federal complaint arguing the conservatorship of the singer's estate violates her civil rights.

But Judge Philip Gutierrez ruled on Tuesday (26Feb08) the attorney "acted improperly" in attempting to move the ongoing case from Los Angeles Superior Court to a federal court.

Gutierrez also denied a request from Jamie Spears, Britney's father, and his lawyer to recover legal costs to defend against the move. The case is reported to have cost Spears around $40,000 (GBP20,000).

Earlier this month puzzled lawyers acting on behalf of Spears' estate claimed the pop superstar couldn't have hired Eardley to represent her because she's unable to do so under the terms of the conservatorship.

Spears' father Jamie was recently appointed conservator of his daughter's estate in a state court - he has temporary control over the Toxic singer's legal and financial affairs until 10 March (08).