Why California Corporations Cannot Represent Themselves
California law treats corporations as separate legal entities from their owners, officers, and directors. This means that even if you are the CEO of a corporation, you cannot represent the corporation in court unless you are a licensed attorney in California. Courts recognize corporations as distinct “persons” under the law and require them to have representation by a licensed professional. Attempting to represent your corporation without an attorney risks case dismissal or sanctions.
The Risks of Not Hiring an Attorney
Failing to hire an attorney to represent your corporation in court can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Improperly appearing in court on behalf of your corporation without legal representation can delay or dismiss your case, or result in a default judgment for the other party. A default judgment means the opposing party could win the case without the court ever hearing your defense, leaving your corporation liable for damages, penalties, or other legal consequences.
In addition to court-imposed penalties, failing to secure representation can result in missed opportunities to negotiate or settle disputes out of court. Experienced business lawyers often possess the strategic insight and negotiation skills to shorten the legal process or even prevent cases from going to trial. This could save your corporation significant time, money, and reputational harm.
How an Attorney Can Help California Corporations
A qualified business attorney guides you through complex court procedures, ensures you meet all deadlines, and protects your corporation’s rights. Once served with a summons and complaint, your corporation typically has 30 days to file an answer with the court. Missing this deadline can result in a default judgment, leaving your corporation with no legal recourse.
Moreover, business lawyers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your case and develop strategies tailored to your specific situation. Whether it’s negotiating settlements, filing motions to dismiss, or representing your corporation in a full trial, having an experienced legal team by your side is invaluable.
In many cases, having a business defense attorney involved early can lead to quicker, more favorable outcomes. Some attorneys may be able to negotiate settlements that avoid lengthy court proceedings altogether. Even if litigation is inevitable, a skilled attorney can work to expedite the process. Thus, reduce costs, and minimize the impact on your business.
Don’t Let Legal Costs Hold You Back
One of the common concerns for corporations facing lawsuits is the cost of hiring an attorney. However, business defense doesn’t have to break the bank. Many law firms, including ours, offer various fee structures to accommodate the financial constraints of small and medium-sized businesses. These fee arrangements can include flat fees, hybrid fee agreements, traditional hourly rates, discounted fees, and capped fees.
At KAASS LAW, we understand that the legal system can be both intimidating and costly. That’s why we strive to provide affordable and transparent legal services that fit your needs. Our goal is to offer high-quality legal representation while ensuring that our clients feel comfortable with the financial aspect of hiring an attorney.
Why Choose KAASS LAW
Our attorneys are licensed to practice law in California. They have years of experience handling business litigation, corporate disputes, and defense cases. Whether your corporation is facing a breach of contract claim or other business-related litigation, our team is prepared to represent your corporation with professionalism and dedication.
We have a deep understanding of California corporate law, and we take pride in defending businesses across various industries.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If your California corporation is facing a lawsuit, don’t wait to get legal help. Schedule a consultation with one of our experienced business law attorneys today.
Remember, your corporation’s legal interests matter, and with KAASS LAW, you’re in capable hands. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business.
Our attorneys at KAASS LAW are authorized to practice law in California.