Is it true that if I were to form a corporation for an entity to do business with, I cannot represent myself in small claims court and need a lawyer instead?
Is that still true if I formed an LLC?
When you form a business entity, and your entity is sued, your appearance in court on behalf of your entity is practicing law without a license unless you have been admitted to the bar. You are not representing yourself, in this case, you are representing your business entity. Only an attorney can represent your entity in court.
You are still allowed to represent yourself in court if you are personally named in the lawsuit, but your entity has to have its own attorney.