What is a McKenzie Friend ?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who provides support, guidance, and assistance to individuals representing themselves in court — usually called litigants in person. While McKenzie Friends are not practising solicitors or barristers, many have valuable legal knowledge, court process experience, or relevant qualifications that enable them to provide effective help in Family Court and other legal proceedings.
The term originates from the 1970 case McKenzie v. McKenzie, where the court confirmed that litigants in person have the right to assistance from a non-legal professional. Today, McKenzie Friends play a vital role in helping people across the South West of England access justice without the high costs of traditional legal representation.
What Can a McKenzie Friend Do?
McKenzie Friends offer a supportive role, helping litigants in person understand court processes and feel confident in legal proceedings. Here’s how we can help:
-
Provide Quiet Advice
Offer suggestions and guidance during hearings. Help you organise your thoughts and stay focused. -
Help with Paperwork
Assist with drafting position statements, witness statements, skeleton arguments, and other documents. Ensure paperwork is clear, relevant, and meets court requirements. -
Offer Emotional Support
Be a calming presence during stressful hearings, helping you feel reassured and confident. -
Attend Court or Remote Hearings
Sit with you in court or join via video/telephone hearings to provide support. (We do not speak on your behalf unless granted permission by the judge.) -
Advocate for You (Limited)
In rare cases, with the judge’s permission, a McKenzie Friend may be allowed to speak on your behalf. This is known as Rights of Audience (ROA). -
What Can’t a McKenzie Friend Do?
While McKenzie Friends are invaluable in providing guidance and support, there are clear limits:
-
No Automatic Right to Speak
A McKenzie Friend cannot advocate for you unless the judge allows it. -
No Formal Legal Representation
They are not solicitors or barristers and cannot officially act as your lawyer. -
No Legal Advice
They can guide and support you, but they cannot provide legal advice in the way a qualified solicitor would.
📍 At The Golden Lioness, we provide trusted McKenzie Friend services across South West England, including Gloucester, Bristol, Swindon, Worcester, Weston-Super-Mare, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, and Wiltshire. Whether you need help with documents, court preparation, or simply a supportive presence, we are here to guide you every step of the way.