Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 9

As amended through February 20, 2024

Rule 9 - Persons Appearing in a Representative Capacity

(a) IN GENERAL. Except as provided in Rule 9(b) and (c) and District of Columbia Court of Appeals Rule 49(c), only members in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar are permitted to appear in this branch in a representative capacity for any purpose other than securing a continuance.

(b) CORPORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS. No corporation or partnership may appear as a plaintiff in this branch except through a member in good standing of the District of Columbia Bar. Corporations and partnerships may appear as defendants as provided in District of Columbia Court of Appeals Rule 49(c)(11).

(c) LAW STUDENTS. Any law student admitted to the limited practice of law under District of Columbia Court of Appeals Rule 48 may engage in the limited practice of law in the Small Claims and Conciliation Branch subject to the provisions of Civil Rule 101(e).

Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 9

COMMENT TO 2018 AMENDMENTS

This rule has been amended consistent with the stylistic changes to the civil rules. The term "partnership" was added to section (b) to reflect a similar change to District of Columbia Court of Appeals Rule 49(c)(11), where the relevant provision is now located.

COMMENT

District of Columbia Court of Appeals Rule 49(c)(6) allows a corporation to appear in defense of a small claim action through an authorized officer, director or employee. The Rule directs that the non-lawyer file along with his or her appearance an affidavit of a corporate officer vesting in the representative the requisite authority to bind the corporation at time of settlement or trial, and the Rule requires that the corporation be represented by a lawyer if the corporation files a cross-claim or a counterclaim, if the matter is appealed or if the matter is certified to the Civil Division.