Why Every Real Estate Business Needs a Lawyer
Are you a contractor, property investor, or landlord in Northeast Ohio operating under an LLC or corporation? If so, you may be unaware of a critical legal requirement: your business cannot represent itself in court—even if you're the sole owner. Whether you're evicting a tenant, responding to a code violation, or facing a consumer complaint, Ohio law mandates that only a licensed attorney can represent your business in legal proceedings.
This article explains why legal representation is not just a formality—it's a legal necessity—and how working with an attorney can help protect your real estate business from costly missteps.
Why Your Business Needs a Lawyer
1. LLCs and Corporations Are Separate Legal Entities
Under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 1706, LLCs and corporations are treated as distinct legal entities. This means that even if you own 100% of your business, you are not legally permitted to represent it in court. Attempting to do so can result in:
Immediate case dismissal
Default judgments against your business
Delays and increased legal costs
2. Self-Representation Is Not Permitted in Court
Ohio courts have consistently ruled that non-lawyers cannot represent business entities in legal matters. This applies to all formal court proceedings, including municipal housing court, small claims, and civil litigation.
Common Legal Situations That Require an Attorney
If you operate a real estate-related business, here are some common scenarios where legal representation is required:
Evictions: If your LLC owns rental property, only an attorney can file and argue an eviction case in court.
Code Violations: If your property is cited for a building or zoning violation, and the matter escalates to court, your business must be represented by counsel.
Contract Disputes: Contractors often face disputes over payment or workmanship. If your business is sued—or needs to sue—you’ll need legal representation.
Consumer Complaints: If a customer files a claim under the Consumer Sales Practices Act (CSPA), your business must respond through an attorney.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Failing to hire an attorney when required can lead to:
Legal judgments against your business
Loss of property rights or income
Increased liability and reputational damage
In short, trying to save money by skipping legal representation can cost you far more in the long run.
How to Protect Your Business
Establish a relationship with a real estate attorney before legal issues arise.
Consult legal counsel when drafting leases, contracts, or partnership agreements.
Hire an attorney immediately if your business is sued, cited, or needs to initiate legal action.
Legal Support for Real Estate Professionals in Northeast Ohio
At N.P. Weiss Law, we focus our practice in representing real estate professionals, landlords, and contractors throughout Northeast Ohio. From eviction proceedings to contract disputes, we help businesses navigate the legal landscape with confidence and compliance.
📅 Schedule a paid consultation today to learn how we can support your business.
📞 Have more questions? Contact our office.
About the Author
Attorney Nicholas Mitchell focuses his practice on civil litigation and real estate law, helping clients resolve disputes and navigate complex legal processes with confidence. He is dedicated to serving Northeast Ohio families with clarity, compassion, and results-driven advocacy. Learn more about Nicholas Mitchell.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. For personalized guidance, please consult with a licensed Ohio attorney.
