The Fine Print: Small Claims Court, A First-Hand Tutorial

It’s no secret that I’m a staunch advocate for consumer arbitration. I have had success going up against the big boys like Citi and Expedia, holding them accountable for mischievous behavior. One of the advantages that consumers have in arbitration is that companies are responsible for paying the majority of the arbitration proceeding. Factoring in outside counsel, these cases can easily cost corporations tens of thousands of dollars. This usually brings companies to the bargaining table where an efficient resolution can be reached.

But what about claims that do not have an arbitration agreement, what can consumers do in those instances? The answer is Small Claims Court. As an arbitration practitioner, I have limited experience in Small Claims. My first case was last year against British Airways for not refunding my cash and points reservation even though the representative said I could cancel with no penalty. British eventually settled the case and gave me an extra 20,000 Avios for my troubles. My next case in Small Claims did not settle, but it did provide a crash course of what to do and what not to do should you find yourself at 111 Centre Street in New York City (or similar venues across the country).

Question #1: Are Lawyers Allowed in Small Claims Court?

The answer depends on the state. In New York, lawyers can represent plaintiffs in Small Claims. In California, lawyers, according to the California Department of Public Affairs, are generally not allowed to do so. The better question is, are lawyers welcome in Small Claims Court? In talking to other New York attorneys and going to the proceeding myself, I would say that they are tolerated, at best.

Question #2: How Much Can I Sue For in Small Claims?

As the name of the court suggests, Small Claims Court is limited to claims that are not large. In New York City, claims cannot exceed $5,000. In California, individuals can sue for no more than $10,000.

Question #3: Where Do I Begin?

If your state provides it, the easiest way to file a small claims action is to use TurboCourt, a website that allows plaintiffs to file claims online. The cost varies per state but is inexpensive compared to traditional court.

Question #4: Where Do I Sue?

The answer to this question brings back terrible memories from my civil procedure course in law school. Fortunately, TurboCourt spells it out so even a lawyer can understand.

Initial Claims:

A case may be filed in the Small Claims Part of the New York City Civil Court ONLY if the defendant resides, works, or has a place of business within New York City.

Many major corporations have a place of business within New York City so jurisdictional issues are not as cumbersome a hurdle as they may be in other states.

Question #5: How Do I Notify the Defendant?

Notifying the defendant or service of process is another fun law school topic. For example, if you’re looking to sue someone in Arizona, is service proper if they are 30,000 feet in the air over the Grand Canyon? Luckily, most small claim litigants need not know the answer to this question. In New York, TurboCourt serves the defendant as part of the fee paid to initiate the process.

Question #6: What to Do When My Court Date Arrives?

TurboCourt will notify you of your court date. When the day comes, arrive to the courthouse on time with the pertinent documents generated by TurboCourt and with any documents that support your case.

Question #7: Who Are All These People?

In New York, night court used to take place from 6PM to midnight. Now it only goes from 6PM to 10PM. It is quite the spectacle to behold. It looks like a TV show: There are overdressed lawyers, angry litigants, and people from all walks of life waiting to have their day in court.

Question #8: What Do I Do When My Name Is Called by the Clerk?

Like a Black Friday sale, the doors are open and the mass of people shuffle into the courtroom. Then the clerk rattles off directions that delineate what the appropriate response should be when the plaintiff and defendant’s names are called.

Response #1, Application (Adjournment): And this is where the inefficiency of Small Claims comes in. I was ready to present my client’s case and sat there waiting for my name to be called. The clerk called out the defendant and plaintiff’s name. The defendant shot up out of his seat and said, “Application!” This meant that the case would not move forward that day. The case was postponed for a later date because the defendant did not send an attorney who had authority to address the claim. Instead the defendant hired an attorney to simply ask for an adjournment. Each participant can ask for adjournment one time in New York so long as someone is present to make the request.

Response #2, Ready for Trial: The pride that comes over the faces of participants when they proclaim that they are ready for trial validates, if only for a moment, my decision to become a lawyer. Even if the matter is trivial, the plaintiff can have his day in court.

Response #3, Mediation & Arbitration: Had the defendant in my claim showed up, I would have selected either mediation or arbitration in an effort to resolve the dispute. Mediation, unlike arbitration, is not binding. It is a process whereby a third party neutral hears both sides of the issue while taking note of the strength and weaknesses of the parties’ cases. The mediator tries to facilitate a settlement agreement. Mediation can be very effective if both parties are open to the process. In arbitration, the decision is binding and proceeds forward like a trial without the formalities of going before the judge. This, I was told by a seasoned small claims lawyer, is the smarter choice compared to trial. In trial, especially, as an attorney, I risk irritating the judge to my client’s detriment.

Question #9: How Do I Prepare for Trial, Mediation, or Arbitration?

I regret not sticking around for the trials. Based on what I saw before and during roll call, I would have been entertained by the real life version of The People’s Court. There were people misquoting the law left and right, mediators getting yelled at despite their desire to help, and a judge that was unfazed by it all. If you are going to Small Claims unrepresented, my advice would be not to use legal jargon, tell your side of the story succinctly, and never, under any circumstances, interrupt the judge or arbitrator. For participants in New York, this is a handy guide. Other than that, feel free to test any legal theory that might prove your case.

Question #10: I Won, I Lost, I Settled, What Happens Next?

I had a case against a company not an individual. Had I won or settled I would have signed a settlement agreement or a judgment would have been entered in my client’s favor. Enforcing that judgment or collecting on the settlement is not typically an issue against a corporation because the corporation cannot hide from the result. Claims against individuals are completely different. If you go up against an upstanding individual, he or she will respect the settlement or result of the case and pay you. If not, then the challenges of collecting are a topic for a different article. If you lose in arbitration, the decision is final. If you lose at trial, you have the right to an appeal. In that process, a higher court examines the trial court’s decision. Filing an appeal does not mean that you get a retrial.

Conclusion

Small Claims is a great way to handle issues where the amount in controversy is low, the issue is not complex, and when a lawyer is not allowed to represent a client in the proceeding. I recommend it for individuals who are seeking a quick outcome and are able to articulate their positions in a calm, lucid fashion. It is also a great venue to get a first-hand glimpse at the American justice system. I highly recommend filing a claim or attending a small claims proceeding at least once. After witnessing it myself, I can confidently say that claimants have more to gain and less to endure by filing an arbitration claim with the assistance of competent counsel.

Want to learn more about miles and points? Subscribe to email updates or check out our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.