McKenzie Friends 

(Court, Tribunal and Case Support Services)

McKenzie Friends are people who are not qualified to act as professional lawyers or barristers, but are permitted to attend court with an unrepresented litigant (a litigant in person or LIP) in order to provide moral and practical support, help them organise and find relevant documents when needed, and take notes. They do not have a right of audience. The name originates from a UK case, McKenzie v McKenzie [1971] in which it was established that a non-legally trained person could accompany and assist a LIP in court.

What can a McKenzie friend help me with?

• Provide moral support for the litigant
• Take notes
• Help with case papers
• Quietly give advice on points of law or procedure; issues that the litigant may wish to raise in court; questions the litigant may wish to ask witnesses

What can a McKenzie Friend not do?

• A MF has no right to act on behalf of a litigant in person. It is the right of the litigant to use the assistance of a MF if they so require

• A MF is not entitled to address the court, nor examine any witnesses. If they do so they become advocates and require the grant of a right of audience, which is only in exceptional circumstances

• A MF may not attend a closed court unless the litigant has received permission from the court for the MF to do so at the start of a hearing

• A MF may not act as the agent of the litigant in relation to the proceedings nor manage the litigant's case outside of court, for example, by signing court documents

• McKenzie Friends essentially can not offer legal representation, legal advice or make decisions on behalf of a Litigant in Person

Dispute Resolution Consultants 

(Out-of-Court Mediation, Dispute Resolution and Settlement Services)

In most cases, Dispute Aid will aim to resolve your issue, complaint or dispute before it reaches Court, by assisting you with negotiating a settlement or resolution, always in line with your requirements and wishes.

Although we can not offer legal advice or representation, with your authority we are able to mediate between you and the third party concerned in order to bring about a satisfactory conclusion and to avoid the need for any legal proceedings. 

McKenzie Friend Legal Support Services

Dispute Resolution Consultant Services

Our McKenzie Friend & Dispute Resolution Consultants

Our Consultants have over 30 years of related experience, having successfully resolved a wide variety of complaints, proceedings, service failures, employment issues and disputes. Contact us now for a no-obligation conversation.