Appearance of Corporation or Partnership Through Counsel.

(a) Appearance and Filing of Papers. A corporation, partnership, or any entity other than a natural person may not appear as a party in an adversary proceeding or a contested matter or as a debtor in a bankruptcy case except through counsel admitted to practice in this District. Petitions and pleadings from parties who are not individuals must bear the signature of an attorney. (b) Chapter 11 Cases.

A corporation, partnership, or any entity other than a natural person may not serve as a debtor-in-possession in a Chapter 11 case unless represented by counsel. If a corporation or partnership does not obtain Court approval of counsel promptly, the Court, after notice as BKR 42 (Effective May 4, 2026) prescribed by Bankruptcy Rule 2002(a), may dismiss the case, order it converted to Chapter 7, or order the appointment of a trustee. (c) Excepted Matters. Nothing herein shall preclude a corporation, partnership, or any entity other than a natural person from filing a proof of claim, an application for compensation, a reaffirmation agreement, or from appearing at a meeting of creditors through an officer or other authorized agent.