Any LLC or corporation appearing as a party in a lawsuit must be represented by an attorney. A non-lawyer cannot represent a professional services corporation, even if he or she is the corporation’s sole director, officer, and shareholder. This rule applies in eviction cases (a.k.a. unlawful detainer actions), and applies whether the property is commercial or residential. The Washington Court of Appeals applied this rule a couple of years ago.[1] A dentist and his commercial landlord were in a long-standing dispute over common area maintenance charges. The commercial landlord served a notice to pay rent or vacate then brought an […]
corporation
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Corporations and LLCs when appearing in court must be represented by an attorney. “Washington law…requires individuals appearing before the court on behalf of another party to be licensed in the practice of law.” [1] Accordingly, “corporations appearing in court proceedings must be represented by an attorney.”[2] This is true even of single-member corporations and LLCs.[3] Likewise, someone without a law license cannot represent another person in court. There is no exception for a power of attorney, or for paralegals.[4] A person can represent themselves in court, but we do not recommend it. We frequently take calls from people whose […]