How Do I Represent Myself? (2024)

FAQs

How Do I Represent Myself? ›

You are best able to represent yourself if you are a person who is organized, pays attention to detail, and keeps good records. You must also be comfortable speaking in public, be able to stick to deadlines, and feel comfortable looking up legal information online or at a law library.

Understand what is needed, gather the information and fill out court forms completely. Be comfortable with making decisions without second-guessing yourself. Meet deadlines set by court rules and the judge. Speak clearly, calmly, and logically in court.

When describing yourself on a job application, persuade the employer that you're uniquely qualified for the job. Stress your impressive education, training or hands-on experience. Relate your skills back to the job description to show that you're well prepared to meet and exceed expectations.

You may not need a lawyer if...

You understand all your options and can make informed choices about your case. You are willing to learn and understand the law and the rules and procedures that apply to our case. You can spend time to prepare your case. You can follow written instructions and work on your own.

You may choose to represent yourself differently in different situations. Maybe you represent your athletic ability through competitive swimming. Maybe you represent your responsibility by taking care of a sibling after school. Maybe you represent your dependability by being on time for your job.

: the act or action of serving as one's own lawyer in a legal matter especially in court. a person's right to self-representation.

How do you describe yourself in 10 sentences? ›

I am a hard-working and driven individual who isn't afraid to face a challenge. I'm passionate about my work and I know how to get the job done. I would describe myself as an open and honest person who doesn't believe in misleading other people and tries to be fair in everything I do.

For example, you might use a word like "kind," "patient," "determined" or "resilient." Consider using your third selection to explain some of your unique qualities. For example, you can use a word like "adventurous," "generous," "resourceful," "outgoing" or "thoughtful."

Avoid saying anything that is not true, and understand that the attorney/client relationship is confidential. You also should not guess or embellish answers. Instead, answer any questions your lawyer has to the best of your ability and inform them if you are not sure of any answer.

Do not try to misrepresent the facts of your case or misstate the law. Do not try to talk to the judge about your case unless the other party or attorney is present. The judge legally cannot talk to you alone. Keep your comments positive and respectful.

While pro se practice is of ancient origin, so too is the old saying: "People who represent themselves have fools for clients."

For example, you might write that you are sensitive, caring, stubborn, determined, ambitious, hard-working, and dependable. Use words that describe how you think, behave, and feel in general. For instance, you could include: calm, a night owl, sociable, a good planner, or helpful on your list.

Those trained in the legal profession often point to a famous Abraham Lincoln quote when discussing pro se defendants: “The man who represents himself has a fool for a client.”

IN THIS 1975 DECISION, THE SUPREME COURT HELD THAT IMPLIED IN THE SIXTH AMENDMENT IS AN INDEPENDENT CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF SELF-REPRESENTATION WHICH A DEFENDANT MAY EXERCISE. THE COURT, HOWEVER, REQUIRED THAT WAIVER OF THE RIGHT TO COUNSEL HAD TO BE MADE KNOWINGLY, INTELLIGENTLY, AND VOLUNTARILY.