Bankruptcy Panel Chides Nonlawyer for Made-Up Cases in Briefing

The Eighth Circuit’s bankruptcy panel barred a man who isn’t an attorney from representing his wife in a bankruptcy matter because it would be unauthorized practice of law in North Dakota.

The three-judge panel affirmed the bankruptcy court’s order denying James Young the ability to represent or advocate on behalf of Tahnee Young. Among other arguments, the panel rejected the claim that the bankruptcy court’s decision infringed on their constitutional rights to free speech, due process, and self-representation.

Regulating the practice of law isn’t related to the expression of ideas, Judge Phyllis M. Jones wrote, but is instead aimed at ...