New guidelines to assist lawyers when dealing with litigants in person

Concern about the rising numbers of people representing themselves has led legal professional organisations to collaborate on a set of draft guidelines for lawyers who find themselves pitched against litigants in person in court.

The practical guidelines refer to the civil and family courts and tribunals where there has been an influx of people who cannot afford to instruct a lawyer due to legal aid cuts, the increase in the small-claims limit and the introduction of employment tribunal fees. They have been developed by the Bar Council, Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and the Law Society.

You can find the guidelines here: 1506 LiP – guidelines for lawyers