Court Opinion

ID: 9696796
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-25 18:58:55.483255+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:18:38.275703
License: Public Domain

N. PATRICK CROOKS, J.
¶ 1. This case is before us on certification from the court of appeals pursuant to Wis. Stat. § (Rule) 809.61 (2001-02).1 Michael Seitz-inger, M.D. (Seitzinger) appeals an order of the circuit court, which denied his motion for declaratory judgment and Nicholas Kadar, M.D., J.D.'s (Kadar) petition to be admitted pro hac vice. The court of appeals certified two issues to this court. The first issue certified is whether the legal representation of a physician at a peer review hearing constitutes the practice of law, thereby requiring representation by a licensed Wisconsin attorney. If we answer in the affirmative to the first issue, the second issue is whether there should be an exception to the unauthorized practice of law statute, Wis. Stat. § 757.30 (2001-02),2 to allow for such unlicensed representation.3
*6¶ 2. While we do not answer the first issue certified as to all peer review hearings, we decide in this case that, as a matter of contract, the words "legal counsel" as used in the contract in question are reasonably interpreted to apply only to an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin. We hold that Community Health Network's (CHN) interpretation of the words "legal counsel" in the Corrective Action Procedures and Fair Hearing Plan Addendum to the Medical Staff Bylaws of the Hospital (Bylaws) as referring to an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin was a reasonable one. The general rule is that hospital bylaws can constitute a contract between a hospital and its staff members such as Seitzinger. Since the reasonable interpretation of the contract would require that a person representing Seitzinger be an attorney licensed in Wisconsin, and since the activities that it is reasonable to anticipate Kadar would be engaging in on behalf of Seitzinger would, at the very least, focus on legal issues, we conclude that the circuit court properly denied Seitzinger's motion for declaratory judgment and the petition for Kadar's admission pro hac vice.
¶ 3. While we find that Kadar's likely activities on behalf of Seitzinger would, at the very least, focus on legal issues, it is not necessary that we determine whether such representation would constitute the practice of law, since the reasonable interpretation of the contract resolves this case. A reasonable person would *7understand that the words "legal counsel" in the Bylaws mean an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
¶ 4. We further decline to construct an interpretation, or create an exception, to Wis. Stat. § 757.30 that would permit Kadar, an attorney unlicensed in this state, to represent Seitzinger at his peer review hearing. If Seitzinger appears with an attorney, he must appear with an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, consistent with the reasonable interpretation of the contract.
H-l
¶ 5. Seitzinger is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist licensed to practice medicine in Wisconsin. CHN is a not-for-profit Wisconsin corporation that owns and operates Berlin Hospital (Hospital). Seitz-inger was employed with CHN from October 1995 to July 2001.
¶ 6. On May 14, 2001, CHN indefinitely suspended all of Seitzinger's clinical privileges at the Hospital pursuant to Bylaw § 1.4.4 CHN then sent Seitzinger a letter detailing his right to request his choice of an expedited or standard peer review hearing and explaining the hearing process generally. In the letter, CHN informed Seitzinger that his suspension *8was based on cases in which he "demonstrated serious errors in the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative management of patients (and including surgical complications and follow-up care post-discharge) with the potential for severe harm to the patients." After receiving this letter, Seitzinger timely requested a peer review hearing.
¶ 7. In order to provide some insight into the hearing process, it is necessary to give a brief explanation of the procedures involved. In accordance with the Bylaws, the hearing is held before a hearing committee, which is comprised of three to five active members of the medical staff. Prior to the hearing, the affected practitioner is given a list of seven individuals who may serve on the hearing committee. The affected practitioner is permitted to strike two of the names. During the hearing, pursuant to Bylaw § 3.4, both parties may examine witnesses, introduce exhibits, and submit a written statement at the end of the hearing.5
*9¶ 8. Bylaw § 3.3 addresses representation at the peer review hearing. Bylaw § 3.3(a) explains that the affected practitioner is entitled to representation by a member of the active medical staff in good standing.6 Alternatively, Bylaw § 3.3(b) states that the affected practitioner may be represented by legal counsel at the peer review hearing.7
*10¶ 9. Seitzinger hired Kadar to assist him at the peer review hearing. Kadar is a board certified obstetrician-gynecologist, a board certified subspecialist in gynecologic oncology, and a member of the New Jersey Bar. CHN objected to Kadar's representation of Seitzinger at the peer review hearing, stating that, since Kadar was not a member in good standing of CHN's medical staff, that he needed to be licensed to practice law in Wisconsin in order to represent Seitz-inger.
¶ 10. Seitzinger filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in Green Lake County Circuit Court, seeking a declaration by the court that Kadar could represent him at the peer review hearing. In the alternative, Kadar filed a petition for admission pro hac vice for the hospital hearing and appellate review proceedings. Ka-dar requested that he be allowed to appear with Seitz-inger at the peer review hearing and stated that Kadar would associate with a licensed Wisconsin attorney at those proceedings.8 Seitzinger subsequently amended his complaint to add a second claim. The second claim alleged that CHN committed a breach of contract, *11which arose out of the Medical Executive Committee's recommendation that Seitzinger's clinical privileges be terminated.
¶ 11. CHN filed a motion to dismiss Seitzinger's first claim for failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted. CHN alleged that Kadar's representation of Seitzinger at the hearing would violate Wis. Stat. § 757.30 because it would allow Kadar to practice law in Wisconsin, even though he is not licensed to do so by this state. With respect to Seitzinger's second claim, CHN filed a motion for summary judgment on the basis that Seitzinger was time-barred from asserting that claim.
¶ 12. The circuit court concluded that Kadar's representation of Seitzinger at the peer review hearing would constitute the unauthorized practice of law under Wis. Stat. § 757.30(2). The circuit court noted that at the peer review hearing Kadar would function as Seitzinger's legal counsel, as that was the only role the Bylaws permitted him to assume. The circuit court further stated that it did not have the authority to admit Kadar pro hac vice. Supreme Court Rule 10.03(4) (2002)9 allows a judge to admit an attorney for appearances in "his or her court" and to participate "in association with an active member of the state bar of Wisconsin. . .." The circuit court concluded that because' a judge could only admit an attorney for an appearance in the judge's own court, and because the rule contemplates the active involvement of an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, Seitzinger failed two conditions set forth by SCR 10.03(4). Thus, the *12circuit court denied Seitzinger's motion for declaratory judgment and Kadar's petition for admission pro hac vice.
¶ 13. Regarding Seitzinger's second claim, the circuit court noted that there was no genuine issue of material fact, as Seitzinger failed to request a hearing regarding the termination of his hospital privileges within the 45-day time limit set by the Bylaws. Thus, the circuit court concluded that CHN was entitled to judgment as a matter of law. Seitzinger appealed the circuit court's decision with respect to his first claim.
¶ 14. As stated previously, the court of appeals certified two issues to this court. The first issue certified is whether the legal representation of a physician at a peer review hearing constitutes the practice of law, thereby requiring representation by a licensed Wisconsin attorney. If we answer in the affirmative to the first issue, the second issue is whether there should be an exception to the unauthorized practice of law statute, Wis. Stat. § 757.30, to allow for such unlicensed representation.
II
¶ 15. In its brief, CHN asserts that, because Seitz-inger failed timely to request a hearing regarding the termination of his hospital privileges, his request for a hearing is now moot. Even if Seitzinger's suspension is lifted, CHN points out that his privileges will still be terminated.
¶ 16. Seitzinger asserts that this case is not moot because the underlying controversy is whether CHN's suspension of his hospital privileges was justified. Seitz-inger argues that this court's decision as to whether Kadar may represent him at the peer review hearing *13will directly affect his right to a fair hearing. Seitzinger further notes that the question before this court has already recurred in a case involving another Wisconsin obstetrician-gynecologist whose privileges were revoked by a hospital. This physician has also hired Kadar, and the hearing in that matter has been stayed pending our decision in the present case.
¶ 17. Appellate courts will generally decline to decide moot issues. State ex rel. Wis. Envtl. Decade v. JCRAR, 73 Wis. 2d 234, 236, 243 N.W.2d 497, 498 (1976). An issue is moot when a determination is sought that will have no practical effect on an existing legal controversy. Racine v. J-T Enters. of Am., Inc., 64 Wis. 2d 691, 700, 221 N.W.2d 869, 874 (1974).
¶ 18. Nevertheless, this court has carved out exceptions with respect to its general policy regarding moot issues. We will decide a case, even though moot, when the issue is of great public importance, when the constitutionality of a statute is at issue, when the situation occurs so frequently that a decision is necessary to guide the circuit courts, when the issue will likely arise again and should be resolved by this court so as to avoid uncertainty, or when the issue will likely be repeated yet evade appellate review because of the length of the appellate review process. State ex rel. La Crosse Tribune v. Circuit Court, 115 Wis. 2d 220, 229, 340 N.W.2d 460 (1983).
¶ 19. We conclude that this case is not moot, since our decision in this case will have a direct effect upon Seitzingers peer review hearing regarding his suspension. Simply because Seitzinger cannot appeal the ter*14mination of his hospital privileges does not mean that the blemish of a suspension on his record is inconsequential. Further, a hearing in another case is being stayed pending the outcome of this case. Thus, it is important for both Seitzinger and future parties that we address the issue before us.
HH HH H-1
¶ 20. We now consider whether the representation of Seitzinger by Kadar at a peer review hearing requires representation by a licensed Wisconsin attorney. In doing so, we focus on the contract between CHN and Seitzinger and its interpretation.
¶ 21. We conclude that contract law satisfactorily addresses the issue of whether "legal counsel," as referenced in Bylaw § 3.3(b), refers to an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
¶ 22. The primary goal in contract interpretation is to give effect to the parties' intentions. Johnson Controls v. Employers Ins. of Wausau, 2003 WI 108, ¶ 30, 264 Wis. 2d 60, 665 N.W.2d 257. We ascertain the parties' intentions by looking to the language of the contract itself. Journal/Sentinel, Inc. v. Pleva, 155 Wis. 2d 704, 711, 456 N.W.2d 359 (1990). If the language within the contract is ambiguous, two further rules are applicable: (1) evidence extrinsic to the contract itself may be used to determine the parties' intent and (2) ambiguous contracts are interpreted against the drafter. Central Auto Co. v. Reichert, 87 Wis. 2d 9, 19, 273 N.W.2d 360 (1978); Moran v. Shern, 60 Wis. 2d 39, 48-49, 208 N.W.2d 348 (1973). Contracts are interpreted to give effect to the parties' intent, as expressed in the contractual language. Danbeck v. Am. Family *15Mut. Ins. Co., 2001 WI 90, ¶ 10, 245 Wis. 2d 186, 629 N.W.2d 150. See also Garriguenc v. Love, 67 Wis. 2d 130, 134-35, 226 N.W.2d 414 (1975). Such language is to be interpreted consistent with what a reasonable person would understand the words to mean under the circumstances. Id., ¶ 22. The general rule is that hospital bylaws can constitute a contract between a hospital and its staff. Bass v. Ambrosius, 185 Wis. 2d 879, 885, 520 N.W.2d 625 (Ct. App. 1994); Keane v. St. Francis Hosp., 186 Wis. 2d 637, 651, 522 N.W.2d 517 (Ct. App. 1994). The bylaws bind both parties to the terms contained within. Bass, 185 Wis. 2d at 885. Applications of hospital bylaws are reviewed under a deferential standard of review. Hale v. Stoughton Hosp. Ass'n, 126 Wis. 2d 267, 276, 376 N.W.2d 89 (Ct. App. 1985). Based on these cases, we conclude that a hospital's interpretation of its bylaws should stand if reasonable.
¶ 23. Seitzinger contends that in order to determine whether representation of an affected practitioner at a peer review hearing is the practice of law, the court must conduct a factual inquiry into the degree of legal knowledge and skill required to represent the client. Seitzinger argues that a fair hearing is not a disciplinary proceeding; thus, the hearing committee is unauthorized to take any decisive action against the affected practitioner. The committee's sole task, Seitzinger contends, is to review adverse actions that have already been implemented against the affected practitioner and determine whether those actions are supported by substantial medical facts. Thus, Seitzinger argues that Kadar's role would be confined to rendering scientific or medical advice and not protecting Seitzinger's legal rights.
¶ 24. In addition, Seitzinger asserts more generally that not everything attorneys do for their clients *16constitutes the practice of law. As proof that the present situation does not constitute the practice of law, Kadar points to CHN's own Bylaws. If a physician is capable of assuming the same role as an attorney at these hearings, Seitzinger contends that simply because an attorney occupies this role at the hearing does not mean that he or she is engaging in the practice of law. Seitzinger asserts that he seeks Kadar's representation because of his ability to draw upon his medical knowledge and experience, not for the benefit of his legal services.
¶ 25. CHN asserts that Kadar would be advising Seitzinger of his rights and CHN's obligations, thus providing legal advice and services to Seitzinger. CHN contends that simply because the hearing does not take place in a courtroom setting does not change this fact. CHN rejects Seitzinger's portrayal of the hearing as non-disciplinary in nature. Instead, CHN asserts that a finding by the committee that there is evidence supporting the adverse action against the affected practitioner is clearly unfavorable and part of a disciplinary process. While Kadar may also assist Seitzinger with the scientific evidence he presents at the hearing, this too does not negate the fact that Kadar is rendering legal advice. CHN also points out that witnesses are examined, exhibits are introduced, and the affected practitioner may submit a written statement at the close of the peer review hearing. Thus, according to CHN, Seitzinger would clearly benefit from Kadar's legal advice and assistance.
¶ 26. CHN further argues that, although Kadar is a physician, Seitzinger hired Kadar to provide him with legal services. CHN contends that, in keeping with the Bylaws, Kadar's role was limited to that of attorney. Because Kadar is not a member of the active medical staff in good standing, he could not represent Seitzinger *17under Bylaw § 3.3(a). Although the person subject to the hearing may choose between a physician and an attorney as a representative, CHN asserts that this does not lessen the attorney's role in providing legal advice related to the hearing to his or her client. In fact, CHN contends, the only reason an affected practitioner would retain an attorney to assist at the hearing, instead of an active CHN physician in good standing, would be to have the benefit of the attorney's legal advice and services.
¶ 27. We conclude that interpreting the words "legal counsel" in the Hospital's Bylaws to refer to an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin is clearly reasonable. To construe it otherwise might permit attorneys unlicensed in the state or non-attorneys to violate Wis. Stat. § 757.30.10
¶ 28. As Wis. Stat. § 757.30 makes clear, a person may engage in the practice of law in or out of court. Thus, simply because the peer review hearing takes place outside the confines of a traditional courtroom does not mean that a person, acting in a representative capacity for his or her client, cannot be deemed to be practicing law.
*18¶ 29. In Jadair Inc. v. U.S. Fire Ins. Co., 209 Wis. 2d 187, 204, 562 N.W.2d 401 (1997), we stated that the legislature's intent in enacting Wis. Stat. § 757.30 was clear and, thus, held that a corporation's notice of appeal was rendered fatally defective due to the fact that it was not signed by an attorney. In reaching this conclusion, we noted that the primary purpose of statutes preventing the unauthorized practice of law is to protect the public against inadequate or unethical representation. Id. at 201-02.
¶ 30. In State ex rel. Junior Ass'n of Milwaukee Bar v. Rice, 236 Wis. 38, 53, 294 N.W. 550 (1940), noting the difficulty that courts generally have in defining the practice of law, this court concluded that determining whether a person is engaging in the practice of law must be conducted on a case-by-case basis. In Rice, we rejected the defendant's contention that he could not have violated the state's unauthorized practice of law statute11 because everything he did was "incidental to his usual or ordinary business of adjusting losses for insurance companies." We concluded that, although a layperson may adjust losses for insurance companies, an insurance adjuster was prohibited from doing anything that resembled the practice of law. This court, in Rice, discussed a number of activities, including rendering legal advice for compensation, that amounted to the practice of law. Rice, 236 Wis. at 54-57.12
*19¶ 31. In State ex rel. Reynolds v. Dinger, 14 Wis. 2d 193, 109 N.W.2d 685 (1961), this court created a narrow rule that permitted a real estate broker to fill in the blank spaces on standard conveyancing forms, when transferring the title of á client's real estate, without violating the prohibition against a layperson practicing law. We stated that the regulation of the practice of law is a judicial power vested in the Wisconsin Supreme Court. Id. at 206. Nevertheless, we noted that the legislature may aid the court in exercising its power. Id. at 203. We reasoned that, although lapse of time alone does not make a legal violation attain legality, the brokers had been using these forms for over 100 years without incident. Id. at 204. Thus, we concluded that because this practice had not posed any danger to the public, or subjected it to undue expense, it would be against the public interest to halt this long-standing method of conveyancing and require that only licensed attorneys be permitted to complete the forms. Id. at 205.
¶ 32. In State ex rel. State Bar v. Keller, 21 Wis. 2d 100, 102, 123 N.W.2d 905 (1963), we modified our earlier injunction preventing a layperson from engaging in the unauthorized practice of law,13 in order to permit a person to represent others before the Interstate Commerce Commission in Wisconsin, as authorized by the person's federal license. Keller attempted to persuade this court that, where leases and contracts were approved by the Interstate Commerce Commis*20sion, an attorney licensed by the Commission, but unlicensed by the State of Wisconsin, should be able to draft such leases and contracts. We noted:
Although we recognize, that he may advise whether a particular lease or contract complies with federal law or regulations, leases and contracts create substantive rights and obligations of parties and to prepare them and advise concerning their significance other than their standing under the interstate commerce laws and regulations would constitute the practice of law outside the scope of his practice before the interstate commerce commission.
Id. at 103. Thus, we reasoned that Keller could not engage in the more general practice of advising parties of their substantive rights and obligations. Id. We also concluded that Keller should be enjoined from acting in a representative capacity for his clients before the Wisconsin Public Service Commission. Id. at 104.
¶ 33. Based on the abovementioned case law, we conclude that the reasoning regarding Wis. Stat. § 757.30 set forth in Jadair and Rice is more applicable to the present situation than the narrow exceptions recognized in Dinger and Keller. As noted in Jadair, we are concerned with protecting people against the inadequate representation that unlicensed attorneys might provide to their clients. Granted, an affected practitioner appearing at a peer review hearing may choose the assistance of an active CHN physician in good standing. However, as CHN aptly points out, if the affected practitioner selects legal counsel, instead of a physician, it would be in order to secure the benefit of representation by a person who is capable of giving accurate advice regarding legal rights under Wisconsin law.
¶ 34. We explained in Rice that a layperson must refrain from engaging in any acts that resemble the *21practice of law. Kadar suggests that he will be assisting Seitzinger only by marshalling the scientific and medical evidence presented at the hearing. Yet, as noted previously, Bylaw § 3.3(a) prevents Kadar from assisting Seitzinger in his capacity as a physician, as Kadar is not a member of the active medical staff of CHN in good standing. Thus, it is clear under the Bylaws that the only role Kadar may assume at the hearing is that of Seitzinger's legal counsel. Allowing Kadar to represent Seitzinger at such a peer review hearing where, at the very least, he could be expected to focus on legal issues, would mean that he would be acting as Seitzinger's legal counsel.
¶ 35. Although Dinger and Keller present situations where we have held that unlicensed attorneys and non-attorneys may engage in limited lawyer-like activities, we have concluded that the holdings in those cases were sufficiently narrow, and limited in scope, so as to be inapplicable to Kadar's proposed representation of Seitzinger.
¶ 36. It is not necessary that we determine whether Kadar's representation of Seitzinger would constitute the practice of law for purposes of the statute, since the reasonable interpretation of the contract resolves this case. A reasonable person would understand that the words "legal counsel" in the Bylaws mean an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
¶ 37. Based on the Hospital's Bylaws which, under application of the general rule, form a contract between Seitzinger and CHN, we conclude that, if Seitzinger chooses to have legal counsel present at the peer review hearing, he must choose an attorney who is licensed to practice law in this state. CHN's interpretation of the relevant section is a reasonable one. Further, *22the activities it is reasonable to anticipate that Kadar would be engaging in on behalf of Seitzinger would, at the very least, focus on legal issues. As we stated in Rice, 236 Wis. at 54: "Giving advice as to legal rights is clearly the function of a lawyer."
IV
¶ 38. While it is not absolutely necessary to address the second certified issue, we conclude that it would be helpful to do so. Therefore, we next consider whether there should he an exception to the unauthorized practice of law statute, Wis. Stat. § 757.30, to allow for such unlicensed representation at a hospital peer review hearing.
¶ 39. As noted previously, the Wisconsin Supreme Court is exclusively vested with the power to determine what constitutes the practice of law. Dinger, 14 Wis. 2d at 202. Nevertheless, we are aided in this task by the legislature. Id. at 203. The only exception the legislature has made to Wis. Stat. § 757.30 is Wis. Stat. § 799.06(2), which permits non-lawyers to represent themselves in small claims court. Jadair, 209 Wis. 2d at 202. When the legislature clearly enumerates exceptions to a statute, we may assume that it intended to preclude any additional exceptions unless specifically enumerated. Id. (citing In Interest of Angel Lace M., 184 Wis. 2d 492, 512, 516 N.W.2d 678 (1994)). The legislature has not created an exception which would permit an unlicensed attorney to represent a physician at a peer review hearing. Moreover, we decline to exercise our power to create an exception applicable to these circumstances as well.
*23¶ 40. In State v. Olexa, 136 Wis. 2d 475, 481, 402 N.W.2d 733 (Ct. App. 1987), the court of appeals concluded that a defendant was not denied her due process right when she was not permitted to have an attorney-unlicensed in this state appear on her behalf in court. Although Olexa is distinguishable from this case, as it involved whether an unlicensed attorney could appear on behalf of a client in a Wisconsin circuit court, the message is still clear: there is no due process right to be represented by counsel unlicensed in Wisconsin.
¶ 41. Finally, we conclude that Kadar cannot be admitted under SCR 10.03(4).14 Supreme Court Rule 10.03(4) permits a judge to admit "nonresident counsel to appear in his or her court." Because Kadar is appearing at a hospital peer review hearing, the circuit court correctly noted that it could not admit Kadar pro hac vice. Moreover, even though Rule 10.03(4) states that nonresident counsel may appear "in association with an active member of the state bar of Wisconsin," this wording is also linked to the requirement that the proceeding be before the judge permitting the nonresident attorney to represent the client in his or her court. Clearly, Kadar cannot be admitted pro hac vice under SCR 10.03(4), and we decline to construct an interpre*24tation, or create an exception, which would allow for his admission under these circumstances.15
V
¶ 42. While we do not answer the first issue certified as to all peer review hearings, we decide in this case that, as a matter of contract, the words "legal counsel" must be interpreted to apply only to an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin. In sum, we hold that CHN's interpretation of the words "legal counsel" in the Bylaws as referring to an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin was a reasonable one. The general rule is that hospital bylaws can constitute a contract between a hospital and its staff members such as Seitzinger. Since the reasonable interpretation of the contract would require that a person representing Seitzinger be an attorney licensed in Wisconsin, and since the activities that it is reasonable to anticipate Kadar would be engaging in on behalf of Seitzinger would, at the very least, focus on legal issues, we conclude that the circuit court properly denied Seitzinger's motion for declaratory judgment and his petition for Kadar's appearance pro hac vice.
¶ 43. While we find that Kadar's likely activities on behalf of Seitzinger would, at the very least, focus on legal issues, it is not necessary that we determine whether such representation would constitute the practice of law under the statute, since the reasonable interpretation of the contract resolves this case. A *25reasonable person would understand that the words "legal counsel" in the Bylaws mean an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin.
¶ 44. We further decline to construct an interpretation, or create an exception, to Wis. Stat. § 757.30 that would permit Kadar, an attorney unlicensed in this state, to represent Seitzinger at his peer review hearing. If Seitzinger appears with an attorney, he must appear with an attorney licensed to practice law in Wisconsin, consistent with the reasonable interpretation of the contract.
By the Court. — The order of the circuit court is affirmed.

 "Wisconsin Stat. § (Rule) 809.61. Bypass by certification of court of appeals or upon motion of supreme court. The supreme court may take jurisdiction of an appeal or other proceeding in the court of appeals upon certification by the court of appeals or upon the supreme court's own motion...."

 Unless otherwise indicated, all references to Wisconsin Statutes are to the 2001-02 edition.

 Seitzinger raised a third issue before the court of appeals, which asked the court to determine whether Wis. Stat. § 757.30(2) was unconstitutional as applied to hospital fair hearings. The court of appeals did not address this issue, stating *6that it did not have jurisdiction to decide such question because Seitzinger failed to give notice of the allegation to the attorney general as required under Wis. Stat. § 806.04(11). For the same reasons, we also decline to address the issue of whether § 757.30(2) is unconstitutional as applied to a hospital fair hearing. We therefore limit our analysis to the two abovemen-tioned issues.

 1.4 Suspension of Privileges
(a) Any of the following: the executive committee, the president of the medical staff, the chief executive officer, the chief of the service in which the practitioner has privileges, the executive committee of the governing body or the governing body shall each have the authority whenever action must be taken in the best interests of patient care in the hospital, to suspend all or any portion of the clinical privileges of a medical staff member and such suspension shall become effective immediately upon imposition.

 3.4 Rights of Parties
"Parties" for the purpose of this Fair Hearing Plan shall be the affected practitioner and the body whose action prompted the request for hearing. During a hearing, each of the parties shall have the right to:
(a) Call and examine witnesses, including expert witnesses.
(b) Introduce exhibits and present relevant evidence.
(c) Question any witness on any matter relevant to the issues.
(d) Impeach any witness.
(e) Rebut any evidence.
(f) Submit a written statement at the close of the hearing.
(g) Record the hearing by use of a court reporter or other mutually acceptable means of recording.
*9If the practitioner who requested the hearing does not testify in his own behalf, the practitioner may be called by the Hearing Committee or the other party and examined as if under cross-examination.

 3.3 Representation
(a) By a Member of the Medical Staff
The practitioner who requested the hearing shall he entitled to he accompanied by and represented at the hearing by a member of the active medical staff in good standing. The executive committee or the governing body, depending on whose recommendation or action prompted the hearing, shall appoint at least one (1) of its members and/or another person of its choosing to represent it at the hearing to present the facts in support of the professional review action, and to examine witnesses.

 3.3 Representation
(b) By Legal Counsel
If the affected practitioner desires to be represented by an attorney at any hearing or at any appellate review appearance pursuant to this Plan, his request for such hearing or appellate review must so state. Such notice must also include the name, address and phone number of the attorney. Failure to notify the Hearing Committee in accord with this section shall permit the Committee to preclude the participation by legal counsel or to adjourn the hearing for a period not to exceed twenty (20) days. The executive committee or the governing body may also be allowed representation by an attorney. While legal counsel may attend and assist the respective parties in proceedings provided herein, due to the professional nature of these review proceedings, it is intended that the proceedings will not be judicial in form but a forum for professional evaluation and 'discussion. Accordingly, the Hearing *10Committee and/or appellate review body retains the right to limit the role of counsel's active participation in the hearing process....

 Seitzinger alleges that CHN originally took the position that Kadar could represent him at the peer review hearing, provided that local counsel was retained. CHN did send a memorandum to Kadar suggesting that Wisconsin counsel be involved. A reasonable interpretation of this correspondence suggests that while CHN anticipated that Seitzinger might seek counsel from Kadar, that an attorney licensed in this state would be required to appear on Seitzinger's behalf at the peer review hearing. The memo referred to § 3.3(b) of the Corrective Action Procedure and Fair Hearing Plan and stated: "This envisions that legal counsel is licensed in the State of Wisconsin."

 Unless otherwise indicated, all references to Supreme Court Rules are to the 2002 edition.

 Wisconsin Stat. § 757.30(2) states:
Every person who appears as agent, representative or attorney, for or on behalf of any other person,, or any firm, partnership, association or corporation in any action or proceeding in or before any court of record, circuit or supplemental court commissioner, or judicial tribunal of the United States, or of any state, or who otherwise, in or out of court, for compensation or pecuniary reward gives professional legal advice hot incidental to his or her usual or ordinary business, or renders any legal service for any other person, or any firm, partnership, association or corporation, shall be deemed to be practicing law within the meaning of this section.

 At the time State ex rel. Junior Ass'n of Milwaukee Bar v. Rice, 236 Wis. 38, 53, 294 N.W 550 (1940), was decided, the applicable statute was Wis. Stat. § 256.30. Section 256.30 was amended, effective August 1, 1978, and renumbered as Wis. Stat. § 757.30. .

 In Rice, 236 Wis. at 53, the insurance adjuster engaged in numerous other lawyer-like activities, such as advising an insurance company as to his opinion of its potential liability, *19advising an insurance company whether or not to settle a claim, attempting to negotiate settlements between the insurance company and injured persons* and dictating and entering into stipulations.

 See State ex rel. State Bar v. Keller, 16 Wis. 2d 377, 114 N.W.2d 796 (1962).

 SCR 10.03 Membership
(4) Only active members may practice law. No individual other than an enrolled active member of the state bar may practice law in this state or in any manner purport to be authorized or qualified to practice law. A judge in this state may allow a nonresident counsel to appear in his or her court and participate in a particular action or proceeding in association with an active member of the state bar of Wisconsin who appears and participates in the action or proceeding.

 This court currently has before it a petition asking the court to establish a committee that would, among other things, review the issue of the unauthorized practice of law. This is yet another reason that it is inappropriate, at this time, for us to establish an exception.