DARBY v. 120 NORTHAMPTON, LLC

**What Happened** A person named Darby filed a discrimination lawsuit against 120 Northampton, LLC on behalf of someone else named Tristen-Naronn-Burks. However, Darby was not a licensed attorney. In federal court, only lawyers can represent other people in legal cases, except in very limited circumstances where people represent themselves. **What the Court Decided** The court dismissed the case "without prejudice," meaning it was thrown out but could potentially be refiled later if done properly. The dismissal happened because Darby lacked the legal authority to represent another person in court. Since Darby was not a lawyer, they violated rules that prohibit unlicensed individuals from practicing law by representing others in federal court proceedings. **Why This Matters for Workers** This case highlights an important rule for workers considering legal action: if you want someone else to represent you in federal court for employment disputes, that person must be a licensed attorney. While you can always represent yourself in court, having a friend or family member speak for you is not allowed. Workers facing discrimination should either hire a qualified employment lawyer or be prepared to handle their case personally if they cannot afford legal representation.