New York Consolidated Laws, City Civil Court Act - CCA § 1809-A. Procedures relating to corporations, associations, insurers and assignees

(a) Any corporation, including a municipal corporation or public benefit corporation, partnership, or association, which has its principal office in the city of New York and an assignee of any commercial claim may institute an action or proceeding under this article.

(b) No person or co-partnership, engaged directly or indirectly in the business of collection and adjustment of claims, and no corporation or association, directly or indirectly, itself or by or through its officers, agents or employees, shall solicit, buy or take an assignment of, or be in any manner interested in buying or taking an assignment of a bond, promissory note, bill of exchange, book debt, or other thing in action, or any claim or demand, with the intent and for the purpose of bringing an action or proceeding thereon under this article.

(c) A corporation, partnership or association, which institutes an action or proceeding under this article shall be limited to five such actions or proceedings per calendar month. Such corporation, partnership or association shall complete and file with the clerk the required certification, provided it is true and verified as to its truthfulness, as a prerequisite to the institution of an action or proceeding in this part of the court.

(d) A corporation may appear as a party in any action brought pursuant to this article by an attorney as well as by any authorized officer, director or employee of the corporation provided that the appearance by a non-lawyer on behalf of a corporation shall be deemed to constitute the requisite authority to bind the corporation in a settlement or trial. The court or arbitrator may make reasonable inquiry to determine the authority of any person who appears for the corporation in a commercial claims part case.