Nucor Steel. v. Dir.

Cite as 2016 Ark. App. 377
ARKANSAS COURT OF APPEALS
DIVISION III
No. E-16-154
NUCOR STEEL Opinion Delivered September 7, 2016
APPELLANT
APPEAL FROM THE ARKANSAS
V. BOARD OF REVIEW
[NO. 2016-BR-00139]
DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF
WORKFORCE SERVICES, AND APPEAL DISMISSED
KEITH LEDBETTER
APPELLEES
RAYMOND R. ABRAMSON, Judge
Appellant Nucor Steel (“Nucor”), a corporation, appeals from the Arkansas Board of
Review’s March 10, 2016 decision, reversing the Appeal Tribunal and finding that the
claimant, Keith Ledbetter, was entitled to benefits because he was discharged from last work
for reasons other than misconduct. We dismiss due to lack of jurisdiction.
On April 24, 2016, Nucor filed its petition for appeal with this court. The petition was
signed by Kellie Crain, who is not a licensed attorney. It is well settled that corporations must
be represented by licensed attorneys. Smithco Invs. of W. Memphis, Inc. v. Morgan Keegan &
Co., 370 Ark. 477, 261 S.W.3d 454 (2007). Furthermore, our supreme court has held that
when 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. Id. Here, Crain is not an attorney and may not
represent Nucor in this case. Id. Our case law makes it clear that invoking the process of a
Cite as 2016 Ark. App. 377
court of law constitutes the practice of law. Stephens Prod. Co. v. Bennett, 2015 Ark. App. 617.
Because Crain was practicing law when she signed the petition, the petition is null and void.
Id. As a result, we lack jurisdiction and dismiss this appeal.
Appeal dismissed.
VIRDEN and GRUBER, JJ., agree.
No briefs filed.
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