US-CaliforniaCan I have a lawyer represent me in small claims court?
No, you generally cannot have a lawyer represent you in California small claims court — you must appear and argue your own case.
What the Law Says
California law strictly limits legal representation in small claims court to protect its informal, accessible nature.
Under California law, individuals must represent themselves in small claims court. The purpose is to keep the process simple, fast, and affordable — without formal rules of evidence or procedure.
There are narrow exceptions: a lawyer may appear only if the judge grants permission (e.g., for a party with a documented disability that prevents self-representation), but this is extremely rare and never automatic.
Corporations and other legal entities are also barred from using attorneys in small claims — they must be represented by an officer, director, or employee who is authorized to bind the entity.
Statutory TextIn small claims court, parties must appear and represent themselves. Attorneys are not permitted to represent parties in small claims court, except as provided in subdivision (b).
— Code of Civil Procedure, § 116.540(b) — Representation of parties
Statutory TextA corporation, association, or partnership may be represented in small claims court only by a regular employee, officer, or director of the entity who is authorized to bind the entity.
— Code of Civil Procedure, § 116.540(c) — Representation of entities
What to Do
Prepare your own evidence (receipts, contracts, photos, witness statements).
File your claim online or at your county’s small claims clerk office — filing fee is $30–$75 depending on claim amount.
Attend your hearing on time and present your facts clearly and calmly — no legal jargon needed.
If you lose and are a natural person (not a business), you may appeal — but only on questions of law, not fact, and within 30 days.
If you’re a business, note you can file only one small claims case per year for claims over $2,500.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.