McKenzie Friend
- A Mckenzie Friend (named after the case Mckenzie v Mckenzie) is one who who assists a "litigant in person" (LIP) without being party to proceedings or qualified to act as legal representative.
- This saves the cost of legal representation.
- McKenzie Friends are not permitted to act outside of court nor to sign NTQs or any legal documents.
- A McKenzie friend is not normally allowed to speak directly to a judge (rights of audience) at court but in exceptional circumstances may be permitted to do so with the LIP in attendance.
- A McKenzie Friend is permitted to consult quietly with the LIP on points of law, procedure and to flag up points a litigant might want to raise in court or questions the LIP should ask of witnesses at court.
- See also: Next Friend, Litigant in person, Rights of Audience, Mckenzie Friend, In Loco Parentis.
Published: 28 September 2015
Last Updated: 17 November 2021