"The choice of whether to use a lawyer or non-lawyer service provider should rest with

the consumer unless it is clear that specialized legal skills or training are required. Lawyer/nonlawyer

competition benefits consumers, particularly when there is no evidence that consumers

have been harmed by non-lawyer service providers. We urge the Court to revise the proposed

rule to preserve competition in service areas for which the knowledge and skill of a lawyer is not

required.

The Justice Department and the FTC thank you for this opportunity to present our views.

We would be pleased to address any questions or comments regarding this letter.

Sincerely yours,

Thomas O. Barnett

Assistant Attorney General"