This question is for Cook County Civil Department District One for under $10,000, breach of contract. It is clear that corporations require attorney representation. Is a trust, that has charitable organizations as beneficiaries, considered a corporation? The trust is not yet registered with the Attorney General, that is part of the defense for the breach of contract; services not rendered.
Generally, a person may only appear in court on her own behalf. A trustee represents the interests of others and therefore cannot appear in that capacity, as that would constitute engaging in the unauthorized practice of law. If you’ve not looked over the Illinois Trusts and Trustees Act, I would encourage you to do so (http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=2117&ChapterID=61).
It’s always better to have an attorney, even in small claims, where (1) no answer is required if the defendant appears (unless the court orders otherwise), (2) there is no discovery, except by leave of court, (3) there are no motions (apart from a motion for substitution of judge or one seeking dismissal under 735 ILCS 5/2-619), except by prior leave of court, and (4) the rules of procedure and evidence are relaxed.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
(By the way, in Illinois, a corporation does not need to have an attorney to prosecute or defend a small claim proceeding, which, in that context, is a lawsuit for $2,500 or less, exclusive of interests and costs).
As a general principle, a trust is a "bundle of rights" and not a separate entity such as a corporation, and there are cases holding that the trustee may sue and be sued in the capacity as trustee. Having said that, litigation may lead to undesired results if you lack training and experience, and if valuable rights are involved you should consider employing an attorney.
