A Straightforward Guide to How to be a Litigant In Person - Third Edition - 2025

A litigant in person is where somebody represents themselves in legal proceedings. It could be an individual acting without legal representation, or it could be a company that acts for itself without lawyers. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of litigants in person. This new and fully revised Third Edition provides practical advice on how to act for yourself and present a case in court. It contains a new chapter on the key aspects of civil procedure that a litigant in person needs to know. Information is given on some of the commonly encountered aspects of the law to ensure that a person acting for themselves has a basic understanding of the legal issues so that they can make a reasoned decision as to whether they have a cause of action and if they do, should they pursue court action. That does not mean that legal advice should not be sought, because in most cases a consultation with a legal professional is essential before embarking on any significant legal action.