Office of Disciplinary Counsel v. Coleman

During each of the past few years we have decided cases in which it was asserted that a power of attorney gives one the right to appear in court for the person assigning that power. Cincinnati Bar Assn. v. Telford (1999), 85 Ohio St.3d 111, 707 N.E.2d 462 (a non-attorney who attempts to settle a pending lawsuit on behalf of one of the litigants is engaged in the unauthorized practice of law); Richland Cty. Bar Assn. v. Clapp (1998), 84 Ohio St.3d 276, 703 N.E.2d 771 (a non-attorney who files a motion to dismiss on behalf of another is engaged in the unauthorized practice of law); Akron Bar…