ATTORNEY AND CLIENT - CONSTITUTIONALITY OF STATUTE AUTHORIZING LAYMEN TO APPEAR BEFORE WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION COMMISSION

Pursuant to legislative authorization the Illinois Industrial Commission promulgated a rule permitting representation by attorney or agent in proceedings before the Commission. Defendant, a layman, had made a business of handling and adjusting compensation claims, and an information was brought against him under a state statute forbidding unauthorized practice of law. Defendant sought sanctuary in the general license granted by the Commission, but the court held, that the Commission's rule was an infringement of judicial power in violation of the state constitution, and, consequently was no defense to the action. Chicago Bar Association v. Goodman, (Ill.

1937) U. S. Law Week, Mar. 16, 1937, p. 14.