A power of attorney cannot authorize an agent to perform acts that would be considered the practice of law. Powers of attorney often include provisions empowering the agent to "pursue claims and litigation." This provision permits the agent to act on behalf of the principal as the client in a lawsuit. An attorney-in-fact (the holder of a power of attorney) may make decisions concerning litigation for the principal, such as deciding to settle a case, but a nonlawyer attorney-in-fact may not act as lawyer to implement those decisions. Nor may an agent appear on behalf of a principal in court as a pro se party; only the real party in interest the principal, not a nonlawyer agent is permitted to appear in court pro se.
Answered on Jun 18th, 2013 at 10:33 AM