I have just returned from three days in British Columbia (Victoria and Vancouver) spent talking about the SRL Phenomenon – the numbers, its impact, and what kinds of change are needed to even begin to address the crisis in justice services.

I spoke with government officers and staff, lawyers, law students, judges and mediators. I was ably assisted in communicating the urgency of the problem by three local SRLs from the NSRLP Speakers Bank (thank you to Jennifer…

We know that the experience of self-representation in our justice system is remarkably consistent.

It takes enormous work and effort.

It is a frustrating, stressful and often an interminably long experience.

There are some good days – and many bad days.

And even those few whose good days outnumber their bad days acknowledge the very same work, effort, frustration and stress.…

A short summary document from our original research data and interviews with court staff: Read More

Whatever the stress and anxiety created by completing forms, filing and serving documents, and communicating with a lawyer on the other side, it is appearing in court – whether at a preliminary hearing, a case conference or a full trial – that is the most intensely anticipated and intimidating aspect of the SRL experience.

Even the most self-confident SRLs experience anxiety about speaking for themselves in front of a judge.  Even those who feel that they are…