At a Glance
Courts continue to see large numbers of self-represented litigants (SRLs), in most cases because they cannot afford or access legal counsel.
ATJ Commissions are well placed to identify and address the needs of 1) SRLs, 2) the programs that support SRLs, and 3) the court systems.
SRLs may also be referred to as "pro se" parties.
ATJ Commissions
- Recommendations for Addressing SRL Needs (Arkansas, 2013)
- Video series for SRLs (Maryland, ongoing)
- Lawyers in Libraries - (Maine, ongoing)
- Resources for veterans, model web site from North Carolina
- Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) program (Washington State)
- E-Filing Best Practices, Washington State ATJ Board
Judges, Courts, and Staff
- Best Practices in Court-Based Programs for the Self-Represented (SRLN, 2008)
- Model Code of Judicial Conduct Provisions on Self Represented Litigants (SRLN, 2013)
- Standardizing court forms (Brief by the Texas ATJ Commission, 2013)
- A Benchguide for Judicial Officers (California Admin. Office of the Courts, 2007)
- Triage Protocols for Litigant Portals: A Coordinated Strategy Between Courts and Service Providers, 2013
Lawyers
- Analysis of Rules that Enable Lawyers to Serve Self-Represented Litigants, 2014
- Limited Scope Risk Management Toolkit (CA ATJ Commission, 2004
- Handbook on Limited Scope Legal Assistance (ABA Section of Litigation)
- Unbundling Legal Services Toolkit (IIALS)
- Also, see the ABA Unbundling Resource Center
Other Resources
- Self-Represented Litigation Network
- NCSC Self Representation Resource Guide
- Resources for Self-Represented Litigants: http://www.lawhelp.org/