You Need A Lawyer

The Arkansas Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal of an award of benefits for want of an attorney

On May 13, 2022, CFO filed its petition for review with this court. The petition reflected that CFO was not represented by counsel and was signed by the operations manager, Lesley Harris. It is well settled that corporations must be represented by licensed attorneys. IHOP #1914 v. Dir., 2023 Ark. App. 102, at 1; see also Davidson Props., LLC v. Summers, 368 Ark. 283, 285, 244 S.W.3d 674, 675 (2006) (holding that individual’s representation of limited liability company constitutes the unauthorized practice of law). Furthermore, where a party not licensed to practice law in this state attempts to represent the interests of others by submitting himself or herself to the jurisdiction of a court, those actions, such as the filing of pleadings, are rendered a nullity. Davidson, 368 Ark. at 285, 244 S.W.3d at 675.

In the instant case, Harris is an operations manager, not an attorney, and may not represent CFO. Invoking the process of a court of law constitutes the practice of law. IHOP, 2023 Ark. App. 102, at 2. Because Harris was practicing law when she signed the petition, the petition is null and void. As a result, we lack jurisdiction and dismiss this appeal.

(Mike Frisch)