McKenzie Friend: Affordable Courtroom Support When You Need It Most
Navigating the legal system can be overwhelming, particularly for individuals who choose to represent themselves in court. Complex procedures, unfamiliar terminology, and strict protocols often make the experience stressful and intimidating. This is where a McKenzie Friend can make a meaningful difference. Offering practical support, guidance, and reassurance, they help litigants in person better understand and manage their cases without the high costs typically associated with hiring a solicitor or barrister. A McKenzie Friend is not a qualified lawyer but someone who provides assistance to individuals representing themselves in court. Their role is recognised in England and Wales, and they are permitted to sit alongside a litigant in court to offer quiet advice, take notes, help organise documents, and provide moral support. While they do not have automatic rights to speak on behalf of the client, rights of audience can sometimes be granted at the discretion of the ju...