*/
A surge in the number of DIY litigants has prompted legal profession leaders to publish guidance to help lawyers deal with unrepresented litigants.
The 28-page guide, produced by the Bar Council, Law Society and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, told lawyers to adopt a “professional, co-operative and courteous approach” to litigants in person (LiPs).
It said lawyers should “communicate clearly” and “avoid any technical language or legal jargon” that might intimidate and antagonise already disadvantaged litigants.
Lawyers are further advised to “avoid using inflammatory words or phrases that suggest or cause a dispute where there is none, or inflame a dispute, and avoid expressing any personal opinions on the LiP’s behaviour”.
The guide assists lawyers on how to help LiPs without putting themselves in breach of their duties to their own client. It deals with issues including correspondence, telephone calls, drafting and adjournments.
Chairman of the Bar, Alistair MacDonald QC, said: “The people who lose out most from the rising tide of litigants in person are the litigants themselves.
“It is one of the worst outcomes of the legal aid cuts that people facing major life events such as a family break up, have little choice but to put their case alone and without legal support or representation.”
A surge in the number of DIY litigants has prompted legal profession leaders to publish guidance to help lawyers deal with unrepresented litigants.
The 28-page guide, produced by the Bar Council, Law Society and Chartered Institute of Legal Executives, told lawyers to adopt a “professional, co-operative and courteous approach” to litigants in person (LiPs).
It said lawyers should “communicate clearly” and “avoid any technical language or legal jargon” that might intimidate and antagonise already disadvantaged litigants.
Lawyers are further advised to “avoid using inflammatory words or phrases that suggest or cause a dispute where there is none, or inflame a dispute, and avoid expressing any personal opinions on the LiP’s behaviour”.
The guide assists lawyers on how to help LiPs without putting themselves in breach of their duties to their own client. It deals with issues including correspondence, telephone calls, drafting and adjournments.
Chairman of the Bar, Alistair MacDonald QC, said: “The people who lose out most from the rising tide of litigants in person are the litigants themselves.
“It is one of the worst outcomes of the legal aid cuts that people facing major life events such as a family break up, have little choice but to put their case alone and without legal support or representation.”
Efforts continue on gender equality, support for the Bar, meaningful reform for the sector and advocating for the rule of law
To mark International Women’s Day, Louise Crush of Westgate Wealth Management looks at how financial planning can help bridge the gap
Casey Randall of AlphaBiolabs answers some of the most common questions regarding relationship DNA testing for court
Leading drug, alcohol and DNA testing laboratory AlphaBiolabs has made a £500 donation to Beatson Cancer Charity in Glasgow as part of its Giving Back campaign
Girls Human Rights Festival 2025: a global gathering for change
Exclusive Q&A with Henry Dannell
Marking Neurodiversity Week 2025, an anonymous barrister shares the revelations and emotions from a mid-career diagnosis with a view to encouraging others to find out more
Patrick Green KC talks about the landmark Post Office Group litigation and his driving principles for life and practice. Interview by Anthony Inglese CB
Desiree Artesi meets Malcolm Bishop KC, the Lord Chief Justice of Tonga, who talks about his new role in the South Pacific and reflects on his career
Sir Nicholas Mostyn, former High Court judge, on starting a hit podcast with fellow ‘Parkies’ after the shock of his diagnosis
Once you submit your silk application, what happens next? Sir Paul Morgan explains each stage of the process and reflects on his experience as a member of the KC Selection Panel
