What Is A McKenzie Friend?

A McKenzie Friend assists a litigant in person in a court of law in England and Wales (Family or County Court). This person does not need to be legally qualified. The crucial point is that 'litigants in person' are entitled to have assistance, lay or professional, unless there are exceptional circumstances. A 'lay person' is one who is not a member of the regulated legal profession.

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For a litigant in person, going to court can be a very stressful experience. Not every person accessing the family courts is able to afford a legal representation. Our McKenzie Friend service can provide support for those who are unable to afford legal  representation.

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​If you have to represent yourself at court then having someone to support, encourage and guide you can prove helpful to ensure that you are able to put your case in a succinct and coherent way to the court.  Our McKenzie Friend service is able to help litigants who represent themselves preparing for court and  providing support in court by prompting, taking notes and quietly giving general  advice. The restrictions of Legal Aid has forced a large number of litigants to represent themselves in court and our McKenzie Friend service is able to provide support to parents who are representing themselves.

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Litigants in person (people representing themselves)  are entitled to have assistance, lay or professional, unless there are exceptional circumstances. A 'lay person' is one who is not a member of the regulated legal profession. Our McKenzie friends are able to assists clients with drafting position statements, skeleton arguments and written submissions.  

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