Motel 6 – Unik Group v. Director, Division of Workforce Services

2026 Ark. App. 10

• Court: Court of Appeals of Arkansas
• Decided: January 14, 2026
• Status: Published

Opinion

Cite as 2026 Ark. App. 10 ARKANSAS COURT OF APPEALS DIVISION IV No. E-25-120

Opinion Delivered January 14, 2026

MOTEL 6 – UNIK GROUP APPEAL FROM THE ARKANSAS APPELLANT BOARD OF REVIEW

V. [NO. 2025-BR-00448]

DIRECTOR, DIVISION OF WORKFORCE SERVICES DISMISSED APPELLEE

BART F. VIRDEN, Judge Appellant Motel 6 – Unik Group (Motel 6) appeals from the Arkansas Board of

Review’s August 29, 2025 decision dismissing as untimely its appeal of a finding that the

claimant, Leporche Reed, was entitled to benefits because she was discharged from last work

for reasons other than misconduct. We dismiss due to a lack of jurisdiction.

Motel 6 filed its petition for appeal with this court on September 18, 2025. The notice

of appeal was signed by S. Bhakta. Bhakta is not an attorney licensed to practice in Arkansas.

It is well-settled law that corporations must be represented by licensed attorneys. IHOP

#1914 v. Dir., 2023 Ark. App. 102. Furthermore, our supreme court has held that when a

party not licensed to practice law in this state attempts to represent the interests of others by

1 submitting to the jurisdiction of a court, those actions, such as the filing of pleadings, are

rendered a nullity. Id.

Here, Bhakta stated on the petition for review that Motel 6 was not represented by

an attorney, and Bhakta signed the petition. Bhakta, a nonattorney, may not represent Motel

6 in this case. Id. Our case law makes it clear that invoking the process of a court of law

constitutes the practice of law. Steel v. Dir., 2016 Ark. App. 377. Because Bhakta was

practicing law by signing the petition, the petition is null and void. Id. As a result, we lack

jurisdiction and dismiss this appeal. See Super 8 Motel v. Dir., 2019 Ark. App. 555.

Dismissed.

BARRETT and THYER, JJ., agree.

S. Bhakta, pro se appellant.

Cynthia L. Uhrynowycz, for appellee.