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The advantages and disadvantages of representing yourself

Many people choose to represent themselves because they would have difficulty paying a solicitor’s or barrister’s fees.

There are good reasons not to represent yourself in court, however. For example, you might be eligible for legal aid to help you pay your legal costs. You can find out more about legal aid using the link below.

Also, if you hire a legal professional and you win the case, the other side may have to pay all or some of your costs.

Another reason people sometimes choose to represent themselves is so that they can talk directly to the judge, jury or magistrates. People sometimes choose to do this rather than communicating through a solicitor or barrister.

However, it is likely that the other side in the case will use a trained barrister or solicitor. This means they will have legal knowledge and experience to use against you. You should always consider getting legal advice if you have to go to court.

• Legal aid - an introduction

• Where to get legal advice

Getting help in court

You are allowed to have a friend or representative who is not a solicitor to help you in court. You must inform the court of this beforehand. This person is often referred to as a ‘McKenzie friend’.

The type of court you will have to go to will depend on the nature of your case. You can find out more about what happens at certain courts using the links below.

• Magistrates' court hearing - what happens

• Crown Court - what it does

• Small claims hearings (money, tax and benefits section)

• Hearings for claims worth more than £5,000 (money, tax and benefits section)

• Your Employment Tribunal hearing (employment section)

Preparing to represent yourself

Being prepared for your case is the most important part of representing yourself. You should consider the following points.

Getting ready for court

Before you go to court you should:

• make sure you understand the law in relation to your case – for example, the offence you have been accused of
  
• prepare an opening statement and make sure you have any evidence or documents properly organised and ready to use
  
• try to work out what arguments the other side are likely to use against you and how you will respond to them
  
• make sure you read and understand the directions of the court or tribunal - you will be sent these before your hearing
  
• make sure any witnesses you may rely on are aware of their role and when they need to attend court
  

In court

Once you’re in court:

• concentrate on the facts and try not to get emotional
• think about what the judge or magistrates will consider important, and don’t assume that they know everything about your case already
• take notes throughout the case, especially of any weaknesses in the other side’s argument, as they will help you argue your case more clearly
• take notes of the judge’s order at the end of the case, as you may not receive this in writing until a few weeks after the hearing

Organisations such as your local Trading Standards office or Citizens Advice Bureau may also be able to give you advice.

• Find your local Trading Standards office

• Find your local Citizens Advice Bureau

More useful links

• Divorcing without using solicitors

• Defending a court claim for money (money, tax and benefits section)