Ohio Supreme Court rules for non-attorneys in workers' comp hearings.

• Position: Breaking News

The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled that non-attorneys who represent companies in workers' compensation hearings are not engaging in the unauthorized practice of law.

The Court acknowledged that non-lawyers are an integral part of Ohio's workers' compensation system and lay representation has been part of the workers' compensation system for nearly a century. The Industrial Commission adopted a policy resolution in June that reserves for attorneys the sole authority to:

* Conduct direct and cross-examination of claimants or witnesses at official hearings.

* Give legal advice or opinions on legal issues to injured workers or employers.

* Provide stand-alone hearing representation for a fee without providing other services.

The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the Cleveland Bar Association against a Dublin, Ohio-based actuarial service company. A court panel had found that the company was practicing law by settling claims before the Industrial Commission of Ohio on behalf of employers...