Administrative Law – Workmen’s Compensation Proceedings – Use of Lay Representatives

The West Virginia Bar Association sued to enjoin the defendant, a layman, from representing claimants before the State Compensation Commission. Lay representation was authorized by the commission under its power to make rules of procedure. The injunction was granted by the circuit court. On appeal, held, affirmed. Neither the legislature nor the commission can authorize a layman to represent claimants before an administrative agency, since this would encroach upon the judiciary’s inherent power to control the practice of law. West Virginia State Bar v. Earley, (W. Va. 1959) 109 S.E. (2d) 420.