Supreme Court of Connecticut
Persels & Associates, LLC v. Banking Commissioner
September 15, 2015
Summary
The court held that Connecticut's debt-negotiation statutes violate separation of powers insofar as they authorize executive regulation of debt-negotiation services performed by Connecticut attorneys as part of the bona fide practice of law. Because the plaintiff alleged that Connecticut attorneys provided legal advice, represented clients, and supervised support staff in attorney-client relationships, the services fell within the Judicial Branch's exclusive authority to regulate the practice of law. The court reversed and remanded with directions to sustain the plaintiff's administrative appeal.