Litigants in Person & McKenzie Friends - A Guide for Family Lawyers

Introduction

‘Rising numbers of litigants in person (LiPs) combined with increasing backlogs, delays and chronic lack of investment is creating a perfect storm in the family justice system’ (The Law Society, 26th April 2024).

The growth of parties who act as Litigants in Person (LiP) in family court proceedings is one of the most challenging aspects for courts and advocates.

This virtual classroom seminar seeks to address the challenges of the practitioner in working with a Litigant in Person including the role of McKenzie Friends in court proceedings. It will also look at the increasingly important work of the Qualified Legal Representative (QLR) within family proceedings.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive course will cover the following:

• Reasons for Litigants in Person
• The Court’s approach to Litigants in Person
• Conducting a hearing with a Litigant in Person
• Lawyers' responsibility towards the Litigant in Person
• Cost issues
• Rights of Audience & Rights to Conduct Litigation
• Increase in the role of McKenzie Friends
• Reviewing the Final Report Reforming Legal Services: Regulating Beyond the Echo Chambers (Published June 2020)
• The role of the Qualified Legal Representative (QLR)
• Case law to include: Mainwaring v Bailey; Barton v Wright Hassle; LFA v LSL; Ameyaw v McGoldrick and others

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.