While having an attorney represent the defendant would violate the Michigan small claims rules it is not a violation of any of your rights under the federal constitution. I don't see anything that prevents a party in a small claims proceeding appearing by phone in the Michigan small claims rules, but even if it is, it would not be a violation of your rights under the federal constitution either. So I'm not seeing a good § 1983 action for this. I suggest you seek out help from a legal aid program or law school clinic for assistance with this issue.

