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Representing Yourself

If you represent yourself without the benefit of an attorney you are known as a Pro Se Litigant. "Pro Se" is a Latin term meaning "for yourself." As a pro se litigant, you enjoy every right under the law. However, pro se litigants are expected to follow and abide by the rules that govern the practice of law in the court room. A 1991 American Bar Association study of self-represented litigants showed:

• Persons with incomes less than $50,000 are more likely to represent themselves.
• About 20% of self-represented litigants report they can afford an attorney but do not want one.
• Self-represented persons are more likely to be satisfied with the judicial process than those who are represented by attorneys.
• Almost 75% of those who represented themselves in court said they would do it again.

This information is for persons who choose to, or must, represent themselves.