No.53 Legal Limited

Licensed Body Law Firm (ABS)

No.53 Legal Limited

Licensed Body Law Firm (ABS)

Litigants in Person

By Lea_NSWPosted on Posted in UncategorizedNo Comments on Litigants in Person

The Rise in LiPs

The Rise of Litigants in Person

More and more people in England are going to court without a lawyer. These individuals, called litigants in person (LiPs), are representing themselves in court, often because they can’t afford legal fees or don’t qualify for legal aid.

It’s a growing trend, and it’s changing how our courts work.

Why are so many people self-representing?

The rise in LiPs began after the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (LASPO) cut funding for many types of legal help. Since then:

Legal Aid is no longer available for most family and civil cases
Solicitor fees are out of the reach for many
Free legal advice services are stretched thing

In 2023, nearly 39% of private family law cases had no legal representation on either side.

What challenges do LiPs face?

There can be serious hurdles for LiPs:

Complex procedures: court rules and forms can be confusing
Emotional strain: especially in family cases involving children or abuse
Stigman: some judges and lawyers see LiPs as time consuming at best, and potentially trouble makers at worst
Imbalance: facing a represented opponent can feel overwhelming for a LiP
Hearings often take longer and require judges to step in more often when LiPs flounder and don’t know what to do, or don’t understand what is going on.

What support is available?

LiPs may be able to use unbundled services to get advice or help with specific elements of their case, thereby saving money on the overall cost. They can also consider other options such as:

Direct Access Barristers: instructing a barrister directly can save costs, but you will still need to do all the preparation work for the case yourself, which can be the most complex part of your case.
Legal charities: law centres, CAB and so on can offer support and guidance
Online tools: Q&A sites, step by step guides, templates and forums are useful resources, but they do not replace proper legal advice.
McKenzie Friends: these are people who can offer support in court, they cannot represent you (be cautious who you choose).
What’s important?: LiPs must prepare thoroughly, understand the process, organise their documents, and try to be objective about their case

Survival Strategies for LiPs

If you’re representing yourself, here are some practical tips:

Prepare thoroughly: read court guides, understand the process, be organised
Stay calm and respectful: judgees appreciate clarity and courtesy
Use plain language: legal jargon isn’t necessary, and the judge is aware you are not a lawyer
Ask for help: court staff can explain procedures (they cannot give legal advice)
Know your limits: if things get too complex, consider getting advice, even if it is on just one occasion.

A Changing Legal Landscape

The rise of LiPs is forcing the legal system to adapt:

Judges are more aware of the need for fairness and clarity
Legal professionals are rethinking how they engage with unrepresented parties
Public trust in the legal system is shifting, especially after regulatory failures
This isn’t just a challenge, it is an opportunity to make justice more accessible.

Final Thoughts

Representing yourself in court is tough, but it’s not impossible, and frankly, some people simply have no choice but to do so. With the right tools, support, and mindset, you can navigate the system and make your voice heard.

Justice should be for everyone, not just those who can afford it.

Lea Christiaanson, 24th July 2025

Litigants in Person

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