What Is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend doesn’t hold a practice licence to conduct litigation in court. Instead, the role includes offering quiet advice, moral support, taking notes and helping organise case papers. We quietly advise on what to say and when.
In every other respect, we do everything a solicitor would: we prepare your paperwork, advise on strategy and agree every word before it’s spoken in court. A McKenzie Friend still can’t address the judge directly unless given special permission; this is called right of audience, and it’s rare. That’s the main difference between a McKenzie Friend and a solicitor or barrister, who can formally represent you.
McKenzie Friend services are unregulated in England and Wales, and McKenzie Picave is not an SRA-regulated solicitors’ firm. Anyone can offer this support, with or without legal training. That’s why it’s worth asking any McKenzie Friend what experience they have, and what protections are in place, before you instruct them. You remain responsible for your own proceedings throughout.
McKenzie Friend in Leicester, Leicestershire and the Rest of England
McKenzie Friend Support in Family Court
Family court can feel intimidating even before your case has properly started. We help clients prepare, understand what’s expected of them and stay steady when hearings get difficult.
That might mean helping you organise evidence, talking through what to expect at a hearing, or sitting beside you when it matters most.
We’ll also tell you when something in your case needs work. We believe people deserve honest answers, even when they’re difficult to hear. That’s something our clients tell us they value.
I could have got the legal support anywhere else, but I couldn’t have got the round-the-clock emotional support anywhere else.
— F, West Midlands
Most importantly, we never lose sight of the person behind the paperwork. You’re not simply another case file. You’re someone trying to reach the best possible outcome for yourself and your family.
Tell us what’s happening and what you need.
We help you organise documents, write statements and know what to expect.
We are by your side for every hearing and every step after.
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FAQs
What is a McKenzie Friend?
A McKenzie Friend is someone who supports a litigant in person in court. They offer moral support, help with case papers, take notes, and give quiet advice. They don’t speak in court or act as your legal representative.
What is a litigant in person?
A litigant in person is someone representing themselves in court without a solicitor or barrister. People become litigants in person when they can’t afford legal representation or don’t qualify for legal aid. A McKenzie Friend supports a litigant in person through the process.
How do I find a McKenzie Friend?
You can find a McKenzie Friend through a recommendation, a directory of self-regulated McKenzie Friends, or a business offering McKenzie Friend services directly, like McKenzie Picave. It’s worth checking their experience and how they work before you commit.
Just for information, McKenzie Picave is not listed in any directory of McKenzie Friends because I see no value in it and we do not need to.
Can a McKenzie Friend speak in court for me?
We do everything a solicitor would, aside from addressing the judge directly, and every word spoken in court is one we’ve agreed with our client in advance. At McKenzie Picave, we can only speak in court if the judge grants specific permission, known as the right of audience. This is uncommon.
Is a McKenzie Friend the same across the UK?
McKenzie Friend support works the same way in England and Wales, since the role isn’t regulated by any single body. McKenzie Picave supports clients in courts across the UK, remotely and in person.
How much does a McKenzie Friend cost?
The costs of a McKenzie Friend vary between providers. We agree our fees with you upfront, before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
Do I need a legal qualification to use a McKenzie Friend?
No, there is no legal qualification needed to use a McKenzie Friend. A McKenzie Friend is for anyone representing themselves in court, whatever their background or experience.
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