Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
Written by John Barwell
A defence is rarely the end of the exchange. This guide explains CPR Part 20 for litigants in person: what counts as an additional claim, when a defendant can counterclaim without permission, the contribution and indemnity notice route, the permission and service rules for other additional claims, and how to respond when one lands against you.
Written by John Barwell
You can bring a helper to a civil hearing, and the court needs good reason to stop you. But a McKenzie friend advises you; they do not speak for you. This guide maps the line between support and representation — the 2010 Practice Guidance, the reserved legal activities a helper must not touch, the separate grant needed for speaking rights, what paid McKenzie friends may lawfully charge for, and the conduct that gets lay helpers excluded.
Written by John Barwell
The ET1 is more than an Employment Tribunal claim form. It is the first point where a workplace story becomes a case, shaping the issues, respondent response, evidence, amendment risk and access to justice.
Written by John Barwell
A clear, practical roadmap for LiPs to amend their ET claim and defuse intimidating costs threats.
Written by John Barwell
Learn how Litigants in Person can avoid common legal pitfalls and improve their chances of success in court through strategic, procedural, and professional approaches.
Written by John Barwell
Learn how to effectively draft a Pre-Action Protocol Letter as a litigant in person to resolve disputes before court proceedings.
Written by John Barwell
Navigating the legal system as a litigant in person (LiP) can be a mentally exhausting and daunting endeavour. This article delves into the systemic power imbalances, regulatory failures, and profound psychological impacts experienced by those without legal representation, advocating for essential reforms to ensure fairness and support for all individuals in their pursuit of justice.
Written by John Barwell
Access to justice · Litigants in person · Public confidence The justice system is often described as fair, neutral and accessible. For many litigants in person, that description does not match the lived experience. The deeper issue is not simply individual disappointment with case outcomes, but whether the system gives unrepresented people a realistic opportunity … Continue reading “The Misconception of Fairness in the UK Justice System: A Litigant in Person’s Perspective”
Written by John Barwell
This article explores the sophisticated procedural tactics often employed by represented defendants in Employment Tribunals, such as late submissions and document overload, which place unrepresented claimants at a disadvantage. It offers strategies for Litigants in Person (LiPs) to counteract these pressures and assert their rights effectively.
Written by John Barwell
Navigating the Employment Tribunal system is particularly challenging for claimants representing themselves as Litigants in Person (LiPs), especially when faced with late submissions of key documents by represented defendants. This article explores the impact of such tactics and offers strategies for LiPs to protect their rights and ensure procedural fairness.
