HB4 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Mack N. ButlerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Attorneys, certain non attorneys allowed to represent certain entities in court, Sec. 34-3-7 am'd.

Summary

HB4 would let certain non-attorneys who own or control a business entity represent that entity in court.

What This Bill Does

Currently, only licensed attorneys may practice law in court. HB4 would create an exception for individuals who are the sole shareholder of a corporation, the sole owner of a business entity, or a member of a limited liability company with five or fewer members, allowing them to appear in court on behalf of that entity. Those individuals would be held to the same standards of conduct and court rules as licensed attorneys. The act would take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Sole shareholders of a corporation, sole owners of a business entity, or members of an LLC with five or fewer members: would be allowed to appear in court on behalf of their entity.
• Courts and other parties in Alabama court cases: would apply the same standards and court rules to these non-attorney representatives during their appearances.

Key Provisions

• Provision 1: Allows a sole shareholder, sole owner, or LLC member with five or fewer members to appear in a court of law on behalf of that entity.
• Provision 2: Requires these appearances to follow the same standards of conduct and court rules as those required of regularly licensed attorneys, with the act taking effect on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Attorneys