A proposal before the American Bar Association that would encourage states to consider “new approaches” in the practice of law is facing mounting opposition by some state bar leaders who say it will lead to outside investment of law firms and nonlawyers practicing law.

New York bar leaders, in particular, are seeking to lead a coalition of opposition. They’ve sent a letter to the ABA House of Delegates—the national bar group’s main policy-making body—outlining their concerns before the delegates vote on the proposal Feb. 17 in Austin.