The Pro Se Advantage

Wise people are thankful for small favors. In a struggle, even the smallest opening, the smallest advantage can sometimes be widened enough to allow a victory to squeeze through. It isn't easy to represent yourself in court. It's hard. It's scary and complicated. Please read my past post - The Pro Se Courtroom Experience, posted in May, 2014.

But ... pro se litigants you have one important advantage. Despite the fact that you are not an attorney, not learned in law, are confused by procedure, intimidated by the judge and opposing counsel - despite all that you have the advantage. But it is up to you to grasp it. Grasp your advantage with two hands and don't let go.

This is your life. What ever the reason you are in court and appearing pro se - its your life. And it must be important, or you wouldn't be there. Whether you're the petitioner or the respondent; or the plaintiff or defendant -- this is so important that you must do something. Many pro se litigants have exhausted all possible resources before proceeding without an attorney. Already borrowed all possible funds from Mom and Dad or Uncle Bob; maxed the plastic; and seriously robbed poor Paul to pay that steep retainer. That retainer that you gave to the attorney when he listened to your story, was so nice and accommodating, and said pay me your money, sign here, and I'll see what I can do. Then all too often, just as court day is looming you're hit with another payment - oops the retainer ran out. Now, the attorney needs another grand to appear in court.

You don't have it -- so he withdraws.

But, this is your life. No attorney will ever know the intricacies of your case and your life like you do. To the attorney, you're another day at work, another case, another paycheck. To you - its your kids, your house, your money, and sometimes even your freedom. Take the advantage as you find it. Take the advantage that you know more about your case than your own attorney ever did. And take the advantage that you know more about your case and your story than the opposing counsel ever will.

Take the time to learn the court rules, do your best to work through the documents, look up terminology that you don't understand -- and use your advantage to its fullest.

In a perfect world, your attorney would handle your legal matter for you and you could sleep at night knowing that your legal matter is in good hands. We don't live in a perfect world, use any advantage that comes your way. And if the only advantage is - you have no choice. Exploit your own need to win, and channel it into doing the best you can in understanding procedure and arguing your case.