CCP Article 17A.07(a) says "A defendant corporation or association appears through counsel."

I am prosecuting cases in Municipal Court. Oftentimes, the president of a small corporation will appear and want to plead the corporation's case or have a trial, but they are told to come back with an attorney. I have not found a way around the above provision.

Is anyone familiar with any other law (including AG opinions)that suggests the representative may proceed to trial without an attorney? Thanks . .