Parlier v. CAN-ADA Crushing & Gravel Co.

**What Happened** This case involved a dispute between employee Parlier and his employer, CAN-ADA Crushing & Gravel Co. While the specific details of the original employment dispute aren't provided, Parlier had co-defendants (likely business entities he was connected to) that tried to file counterclaims against the employer. **What the Court Decided** The Alaska Supreme Court ruled against Parlier's side, but not because of the underlying employment issues. Instead, the court dismissed the case because Parlier's co-defendant entities were limited liability companies (LLCs) that tried to represent themselves in court without hiring a licensed attorney. Under Alaska law, LLCs cannot represent themselves in court litigation - they must have a lawyer. **Why This Matters for Workers** This ruling highlights an important procedural requirement that can trip up workers and small business owners. If you're involved in an employment lawsuit and you own or are connected to an LLC or corporation, that business entity cannot represent itself in court. You must hire a licensed attorney to represent the business, even if you're representing yourself personally. Failing to follow this rule can result in your case being dismissed entirely, regardless of how strong your underlying claims might be.