PER CURIAM.
A show cause order was entered in this case on August 16, 2012, directing the non-attorney father of the minor child in this case to state why this appeal should not be dismissed based upon his filing of the notice of appeal on behalf of his son and without the benefit of counsel. The father responded to the show cause order, but his contentions do not cure the defect in the notice of appeal. Our review of the record reveals that this court lacks jurisdiction. See Tenn. R. App. P. 3(a). Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal.
Stephen M. P, a minor, was transferred by the juvenile court of Cumberland County
Tennessee Code Annotated section 23-3-103(a) prohibits any person from engaging in the practice of law unless that person is duly licensed. The practice of law is defined as "the appearance as an advocate in a representative capacity or the drawing of papers, pleadings or documents or the performance of any act in such capacity in connection with proceedings pending or prospective before any court . . . ." Violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section 23-3-103(a) is a Class A misdemeanor. Tenn. Code Ann. § 23-3-103(b).
Stephen M. P.'s father is not an attorney licensed to practice law in the State of Tennessee and, therefore, he cannot appear or file pleadings on behalf of anyone else in a Tennessee court. See Tenn. Sup. Ct. R. 7, § 1.01 ("No person shall engage in the "practice of law" or the "law business" in Tennessee, except pursuant to the authority of [the Tennessee Supreme] Court, as evidenced by a license issued in accordance with this Rule, or in accordance with the provisions of this Rule governing special or limited practice."); see also Tenn. Code Ann. § 23-3-103(a). Accordingly, the notice of appeal filed by the father is a nullity with respect to Stephen M. P. The filing is insufficient to confer subject matter jurisdiction in this court over this appeal. See Tenn. R. Civ. P. 11.01 ("Every pleading, written motion, and other paper shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's individual name, or, if the party is not represented by an attorney, shall be signed by the party.").
This appeal is hereby dismissed because we lack subject matter jurisdiction. Costs are taxed to Dennis M. P.