I had an occasion to be in a local Court (NY) this week in a "monitoring" position. I sat through traffic and criminal Court and stayed for Small Claims Court.

To my absolutely amazement (and I have no other words) two of the Plaintiffs and three of the Defendants (in three cases) were represented by counsel.

The next day I spoke to the Court Clerk and she told me that is not the least bit uncommon. I am busy reading through the law, but I've NEVER seen Attorneys in Small Claims unless a Corporation or business entity was involved.

I think - and maybe this is a question for discussion - that the "Attorney representation" absolutely changes Small Claims from people friendly to something else.

Anyone have any thoughts?