Rule 282.Commencement of Action-Representation of Corporations
Article II. Rules on Civil Proceedings in the Trial Court · Part J. Small Claims · Last amended 2018 · Last verified July 20, 2026
In one sentenceRule 282 explains how to start a small-claims case with a short complaint and filing fee, and when a corporation can defend one without hiring a lawyer.
(a)Commencement of Actions. An action on a small claim may be commenced by paying to
the clerk of the court the required filing fee and filing a short and simple complaint setting forth (1) plaintiff’s name, residence address, e-mail address (required for attorneys only), and telephone number, (2) defendant’s name and place of residence, or place of business or regular employment, and (3) the nature and amount of the plaintiff’s claim, giving dates and other relevant information.
If the claim is based upon a written instrument, a copy thereof or of so much of it as is relevant must be copied in or attached to the original and all copies of the complaint, unless the plaintiff attaches to the complaint an affidavit stating facts showing that the instrument is unavailable to him.
(b)Representation of Corporations. No corporation may appear as claimant, assignee, subrogee or counterclaimant in a small claims proceeding, unless represented by counsel. When the amount claimed does not exceed the jurisdictional limit for small claims, a corporation may defend as defendant any small claims proceeding in any court of this State through any officer, director, manager, department manager or supervisor of the corporation, as though such corporation were appearing in its proper person. For the purposes of this rule, the term “officer” means the president, vice-president, registered agent or other person vested with the responsibility of managing the affairs of the corporation.
Plain-English Summary
Starting a small claim is meant to be quick: pay the filing fee, and file a short complaint giving the plaintiff’s and defendant’s names and contact information along with the nature, amount, and relevant dates of the claim. If the claim rests on a written instrument, a copy has to be attached, unless the plaintiff files an affidavit explaining why it isn’t available.
Corporations get different treatment depending on which side of the case they’re on. A corporation can’t bring or join a small claim as plaintiff, assignee, subrogee, or counterclaimant without a lawyer. But when the amount at stake doesn’t exceed the small-claims jurisdictional limit, a corporation can defend itself through an officer, director, manager, or supervisor, standing in for the corporation the way an individual would appear for themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has to be in a small-claims complaint?
The plaintiff’s and defendant’s names and contact or residence information, plus the nature, amount, and relevant details of the claim.
Do I need a lawyer to sue in small claims court?
An individual doesn’t, but a corporation does need a lawyer to bring or join a small claim as plaintiff.
Can a corporation defend a small claim without a lawyer?
Yes, through an officer, director, manager, or supervisor, as long as the amount claimed doesn’t exceed the small-claims limit.
What if my claim is based on a written contract?
Attach a copy of it to the complaint, or file an affidavit explaining why it’s unavailable.
Who counts as an "officer" for a corporation defending itself?
The president, vice-president, registered agent, or anyone else vested with managing the corporation’s affairs.
Amendment History
Amended June 12, 1987, effective August 1, 1987; amended May 20, 1997, effective July 1, 1997; amended Dec. 29, 2017, eff. Jan. 1, 2018.
Source & verification. Rule text, official Committee Comments, and
amendment history are reproduced verbatim from the Illinois Supreme Court Rules,
promulgated by the Supreme Court of Illinois. Last verified July 20, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:how to file a small claim Illinoissmall claims complaint requirementscorporation defending a small claimdo I need a lawyer for small claims courtsmall claims filing fee