Of course, we commonly see this on television shows like Judge Judy and Judge Hatchett. But there are people across the country representing themselves in court. In fact, more than 25% of the actions filed in the US Federal Court system in 2007 were pro se litigants.

Pro litigation is used for all types of cases. If you are accusing an ex of stealing your money or defending your rights in a divorce case or defending yourself in a criminal trial, you do not need to be represented by an attorney. It is an American right to be represented by an attorney if you are charged with a crime, however it is still an option. People choose to represent themselves for many reasons. Some people know enough about the law to defend themselves. Some do not have the money to hire a dispute attorney. Some court dates are minor civil matters that don’t really need an attorney’s expertise.

Whatever the reason for not hiring an attorney, any pro litigant should be sure to investigate. Familiarize yourself as much as possible with federal, state, and county laws. When you go to court, always dress in appropriate professional clothing. No one will take you seriously when you show up in jeans and flip flops. And be sure to speak clearly, calmly, and without bad language. All of these factors will make you appear more polite and prepared in court, meaning they will take you more seriously.

Another good idea is to hire a legal consultant. They are usually handled by attorneys, but they are attorneys who, while experienced, are more concerned with helping you learn to represent yourself. From San Francisco in California to Brooklyn in New York, legal services are there to help you through this complicated process.