Sudzus v. Department of Employment Security

In this appeal, we confront the question of whether a nonattorney’s representation of an employer at an unemployment benefits hearing constitutes the unauthorized practice of law. Plaintiff, Michael A. Sudzus, appeals from the circuit court’s judgment affirming the decision of the Board of Review of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, which denied Sudzus’ claim for unemployment compensation benefits. On appeal, Sudzus asserts that (1) his former employer, Butterfield Electric, Inc. (Butterfield), engaged in the unauthorized practice of law by participating in the referee’s…