In a pleading submitted by counsel, whose signature is required?

• A. The party
• B. The judge
• C. At least one attorney of record
• D. The clerk

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is who must sign a pleading filed with the court. In civil procedure, every pleading, written motion, or other paper must be signed by an attorney of record, or by the party themselves if they are not represented by counsel. When a pleading is submitted by counsel, the signer should be an attorney of record for the party. This ensures accountability and a certification that, after reasonable inquiry, the filing isn’t for an improper purpose and that the claims and factual contentions have support.

So, the required signature is provided by at least one attorney of record for the party. The party themselves wouldn’t sign in this situation because they’re represented by counsel, the judge doesn’t sign pleadings, and the clerk handles filing but not as the signatory on the pleading.