*/
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.”
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
Giovanni D’Avola explores the issue of over-citation of unreported cases and the ‘added value’ elements of a law report
Louise Crush explores the key points and opportunities for tax efficiency
Westgate Wealth Management Ltd is a Partner Practice of FTSE 100 company St. James’s Place – one of the top UK Wealth Management firms. We offer a holistic service of distinct quality, integrity, and excellence with the aim to build a professional and valuable relationship with our clients, helping to provide them with security now, prosperity in the future and the highest standard of service in all of our dealings.
Is now the time to review your financial position, having reached a career milestone? asks Louise Crush
If you were to host a dinner party with 10 guests, and you asked them to explain what financial planning is and how it differs to financial advice, you’d receive 10 different answers. The variety of answers highlights the ongoing need to clarify and promote the value of financial planning.
Most of us like to think we would risk our career in order to meet our ethical obligations, so why have so many lawyers failed to hold the line? asks Flora Page
If your current practice environment is bringing you down, seek a new one. However daunting the change, it will be worth it, says Anon Barrister
Creating advocacy opportunities for juniors is now the expectation but not always easy to put into effect. Tom Mitcheson KC distils developing best practice from the Patents Court initiative already bearing fruit
Sam Townend KC explains the Bar Council’s efforts towards ensuring a bright future for the profession
The long-running fee-paid judicial pensions saga continues. The current cut-off date for giving notice of election to join FPJPS is 31 March 2024, and that date now gives rise to a serious problem, warns HH John Platt
