Summary
This United States District Court order addresses the withdrawal of counsel for the defendant, Advanced Plumbing Technology, LLC. Citing local rules and Eleventh Circuit precedent, the court emphasizes that limited liability companies cannot proceed pro se and must be represented by licensed counsel. The judge orders the defendant to retain new attorney representation by February 28, 2025, warning that failure to do so may result in adverse rulings or default judgment. The order also provides updated contact information for service of future documents.
Topics
Practice areas
Questions Presented
- Whether a limited liability company may appear pro se in federal court or must be represented by counsel under Local Rule 2.02(b)(2).
Holdings
- A corporation or limited liability company may not appear pro se and must be represented by counsel admitted to practice in the court.
Key quotations
“The rule is well established that a corporation is an artificial entity that can act only through agents, cannot appear pro se, and must be represented by counsel.”
Factual background
Advanced Plumbing Technology, LLC is a Florida limited liability company. Its counsel withdrew from the case on January 30, 2025, leaving the corporation unrepresented. The court addressed whether the corporation may proceed pro se.
Procedural history
Plaintiff Brett Tabor filed suit on June 16, 2023. Defendant's counsel withdrew on January 30, 2025, prompting the court to issue an order requiring the corporation to retain counsel under Local Rule 2.02(b)(2).