Does it change anything if my business is being sued in California small claims?

Yes, in a couple of specific ways. Generally, California requires corporations and LLCs to be represented by a licensed attorney in court, but small claims carves out an exception to that rule: an officer, director, or regular employee of the business can appear and represent it directly, without hiring counsel.

The other difference involves dollar limits. The lower entity claim cap of $6,250, rather than the $12,500 available to individuals, applies specifically to any counterclaim your business files. It does not limit or reduce whatever amount the plaintiff is suing your business for in the first place.