McKenzie Friend services
What is a McKenzie Friend?
This role originated in London in the 1970s when a client named McKenzie was unable to find legal representation before the case went to court, but was assisted by a barrister from Australia, who was unqualified to practise as a barrister in the UK. However, he intended to assist McKenzie by taking notes and suggesting questions. While he was prevented from doing so in the original case, during a later appeal it was ruled that this should have been allowed, which enabled anyone in the UK to provide McKenzie Friend services, as the term became known.
A vital part of the legal system
In short, anyone who provides an unrepresented party with support and guidance during Court proceedings that is not acting as a barrister or solicitor is a McKenzie Friend. As such they are not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, and have a number of limitations in terms of what they can do in a Court setting. However, their role has become increasingly important, particularly with the reduction in Legal Aid.
Based in Essex, at JCJ Law we provide McKenzie Friend services across England & Wales.
What a McKenzie Friend CAN do for you:
- Attend court and provide moral support for litigants in person
- Take notes and assist with case papers
- Give advice on any aspect of the conduct of the case
What a McKenzie Friend CANNOT do:
- Speak in Court (with some exceptional circumstances)
- Sign documents or papers on your behalf
- Examine witnesses
FURTHER INFORMATION
The following report by the Legal Services Consumer Panel gives a fuller description of the role of McKenzie Friends.
Working Hours
Monday - 9:00am - 19:00pm
Tuesday - 9:00am - 19:00pm
Wednesday - 9:00am - 19:00pm
Thursday - 9:00am - 19:00pm
Friday - 9:00am - 19:00pm
Saturday - Closed
Sunday - Closed