In Ontario, Canada, part of the small claims process is a pre-trial conference, with a retired judge moderating. Further, nothing disclosed may be used as part of the trial.
Its goal is to help with an amicable settlement.
More info: In small claims, lawyers are not forbidden, but they may only speak for their client, and their client must be there, or present remorely, listening and ready to accept offers or deals.
And if lawyers use legalese, the residing judge must explain to you what is being said, and will look unfavorably at the lawyer for not speaking plainly, and wasting everyone's time.
Technically lawyers are not allowed as lawyers, but accommodations must be made for a company 1000s of km or more away. Someone must speak for them.