Shining a Light on Justice, Empowering Your Legal Journey
Written by John Barwell
In March 2025, ten women – among them doctors, a nurse, and a nuclear industry whistleblower – launched a legal challenge against the UK’s judicial watchdog. They allege that an employment judge, Philip Lancaster, bullied and biased proceedings in their cases, yet the Judicial Conduct Investigations Office (JCIO) refused to investigate.[^1] One complainant, Alison McDermott, […]
Written by John Barwell
Employment tribunals were meant to be accessible for all, but unrepresented claimants—known as Litigants in Person—face a justice system that’s structurally rigged.
Written by John Barwell
The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) is the UK’s only judicial body empowered to oversee complaints against state surveillance and covert activities by intelligence agencies, police forces, and local authorities.
Written by John Barwell
AI is revolutionising UK civil litigation, but risks of bias, confirmation bias, and threats to due process raise serious concerns for fairness and justice.
Written by John Barwell
Discover the key obstacles UK Litigants in Person face and practical strategies to overcome them.
Written by John Barwell
When I wrote The Chimp, The Computer, and The LiP, I drew heavily on The Chimp Paradox, a book that explains how emotions and logic collide under pressure. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene serves a similar purpose—especially for Litigants in Person (LiPs) navigating high-stakes litigation. Legal battles often feel overwhelming due to procedural complexities, tight deadlines, and aggressive opposition. Greene’s insights on power dynamics can help LiPs maintain strategic control without falling into ethical traps. This article explores five of his most relevant “laws,” adapted for self-representation, ensuring compliance with court rules while maximizing tactical advantage.
Written by John Barwell
Discover how The Chimp Paradox can help Litigants in Person control emotions, think strategically, and improve their legal success.
Written by John Barwell
Over-relying on AI in court proceedings can lead to serious legal missteps, from misinterpreted case law to procedural errors—human oversight is essential.
Written by John Barwell
In an era where justice is increasingly elusive, a disturbing trend has emerged—not from misguided litigants in person (LiPs), but from the legal teams representing powerful respondents.
Written by John Barwell
For many, navigating the legal system without professional representation is a daunting task. Known as Litigants in Person (LiPs), these individuals take on the courts without the benefit of a solicitor or barrister, often due to financial constraints or a deep belief in their own cause. While some manage their cases successfully, others fall into […]
