Litigants in Person and an Overlooked Source of Help

Litigants in person often expect that the judge will cut them plenty of slack when it comes to not complying with Court rules such as having the right bundle.  With the withdrawal of legal aid, however, judge’s attitudes are hardening, because there are so many LIP,  but there is some way of getting help which is often overlooked.

If the opponent has a solicitor it should be remembered that that solicitor is an Officer of the Court and has a duty to help litigants in person.  The Law Society Gazette www.lawgazette.co.uk reminds us of this in a helpful article worth reading on 23 June 2014.

A courteous and measured approach to an opposing solicitor could bear fruit.  An LIP is not going to get legal advice, but certainly guidance on some of the procedures and practice directions, so do not be afraid to ask.  You may get a very responsive outcome or at least be pointed in the right direction, perhaps to a professional McKenzie friend who are not the pariahs they once were.

If you are an LIP have a look at the Hylton-Potts website www.hylton-potts.com for more about helping litigants in person, and acting as a McKenzie friend.

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