In one sentenceRule 500.3 sets who may represent a party in justice court: an individual may appear alone or by an attorney, an entity may be represented by a non-attorney employee, owner, officer, or partner or by an attorney, and the judge may let a self-represented person be assisted.
(a)Representation of an Individual. An individual may:
(1)represent himself or herself; or
(2)be represented by an attorney.
(b)Representation of a Corporation or Other Entity. A corporation or other entity may:
(1)be represented by an employee, owner, officer, or partner of the entity who is not an attorney; or
(2)be represented by an attorney.
(c)Assisted Representation. The court may, for good cause, allow an individual representing himself or herself to be assisted in court by a family member or other individual who is not being compensated.
End
Plain-English Summary
Rule 500.3 keeps justice court accessible. An individual may represent himself or herself or hire an attorney. A corporation or other entity — which usually needs a lawyer in higher courts — may instead be represented by a non-attorney employee, owner, officer, or partner, or by an attorney. For good cause, the judge may allow a self-represented individual to be assisted in court by a family member or other person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a business represent itself in Texas justice court without a lawyer?
Yes. Rule 500.3 lets a non-attorney employee, owner, officer, or partner represent an entity, or the entity may hire an attorney.
Can someone represent themselves in Texas justice court?
Yes. Rule 500.3 lets an individual appear alone or hire an attorney — there is no requirement to have a lawyer.
Can a friend sit with you at the table during a Texas justice court hearing?
For good cause, yes. Rule 500.3 lets the judge allow a self-represented individual to be assisted in court by a family member or other uncompensated person.
Source & verification. Rule text and the official Notes and Comments are reproduced verbatim from the
Texas Rules of Civil Procedure (Tex. R. Civ. P. 500.3), published by the Texas Judicial Branch (txcourts.gov).
Promulgated by the Supreme Court of Texas. The plain-English summary is original and draws on official sources. Last verified June 28, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as:representation in justice courtentity representation without lawyerself-representationTRCP 500.3