Be cautious when accepting instructions from a Litigant in Person

 

Summary

The judgment dealt with the defendant's application for reverse summary judgment or to strike out the claimant's claim and the claimant's application to strike out the defendant's application and for a stay of related proceedings. The claimant attempted to submit a non-compliant report as 'independent expert evidence' to support his application without obtaining permission to do so.

Learning points

Learning points for Litigants in Person

• Make sure you understand and comply with the relevant rules and regulations which apply to your case.

• Take full advantage of the many resources and support that are available to assist Litigants in Person ('LiP'), such as the Handbook issued by the Civil sub-Committee of the Committee of the Council of Circuit Judges in England and Wales, the Resources for Litigants in Person, and options for free legal advice such as Getting free legal advice | The Law Society.

Learning points for experts

• Be cautious when accepting instructions from a LiP. It is likely that they will have an imperfect, or even limited, understanding of the relevant procedural rules.

• Ensure that you fully understand how they intend to use your expert report. 

• Listen to our podcast on Acting for litigants in person.

• Watch out for our Guidance on 'Acting for a Litigant in Person' for advice on acting for a LiP and what to do when your previously represented party becomes a LiP.

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