In the legal world, the term pro se refers to an individual representing themselves in court without the aid of an attorney. While individuals often have the right to represent themselves, the same is not always true for businesses. In New Jersey, the general rule is that a business entity cannot appear in court pro se. This is established under New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-1(c). However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.
Court Rule 1:21-1(c): The General Prohibition
New Jersey Court Rule 1:21-1(c) states that, except as otherwise provided, no business entity other than a sole proprietorship can appear or file any paper in any action in any court of this state except through an attorney authorized to practice law in New Jersey.
This rule means that corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other business entities must be represented by an attorney in court proceedings. The rationale behind this prohibition is multi-fold:
Complexity of Corporate Law: Business entities are subject to a host of laws and regulations that can be complex. Legal representation ensures that the entity's rights are adequately protected and that all legal requirements are met.
Protection of the Court's Integrity: Allowing untrained individuals to represent businesses could disrupt the court's proceedings and potentially result in injustices.
Protection of Third Parties: Third parties involved in litigation with a business entity have a right to expect that the entity will be represented by someone knowledgeable in the law.
Limited Exceptions to the Rule
While the general rule is clear in its prohibition, there are limited exceptions:
Small Claims: In certain situations, a business entity may represent itself in the Special Civil Part (Small Claims) without an attorney. This is typically reserved for claims that are of a lower monetary value and less complex in nature.
Administrative Proceedings: Some administrative proceedings might allow a business entity to represent itself without an attorney. However, this is subject to the specific rules and regulations of the administrative body in question.
Sole Proprietorships: As mentioned in Rule 1:21-1(c), sole proprietorships are exempt from this prohibition. A sole proprietorship is not a separate legal entity from its owner. Therefore, the owner can represent the business pro se as they would be representing themselves.
Self-Representation in New Jersey's Small Claims Court: Rule 6:11
In New Jersey, the rules governing the Special Civil Part, which includes Small Claims Court, are set out in the Court Rules. Specifically, Rule 6:11 deals with appearances and the representation of parties in Small Claims actions.
Rule 6:11 - Appearances; Representation of Parties
Rule 6:11(a): Individual Parties and Sole Proprietorships. Individual parties and sole proprietorships may prosecute or defend a Small Claims action in person or be represented by an attorney.
Rule 6:11(b): Partnerships. A partnership may prosecute or defend a Small Claims action through one of its partners or be represented by an attorney.
Rule 6:11(c): Corporations and Limited Liability Companies. A corporation or a limited liability company may defend (but may not prosecute) a Small Claims action through an officer or full-time employee. Alternatively, they may be represented by an attorney.
POLL
Would You Represent Your Business in Small Claims Court without an Attorney?
YES
NO
Conclusion
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As with any legal issue, it is important that you obtain competent legal counsel before making any decisions about how to respond to a subpoena or whether to challenge one - even if you believe that compliance is not required. Because each situation is different, it may be impossible for this article to address all issues raised by every situation encountered in responding to a subpoena. The information below can give you guidance regarding some common issues related to subpoenas, but you should consult with an attorney before taking any actions (or refraining from acts) based on these suggestions. Separately, this post will focus on New Jersey law. If you receive a subpoena in a state other than New Jersey, you should immediately seek the advice of an attorney in your state, as certain rules differ in other states.