McKenzie Friends support in court
McKenzie Friends are volunteer 'buddies' who are allowed into court to support a person representing themselves. McKenzie Friends have a very prescribed role: they can't talk aloud, represent the client legally, address the court or sign court documents.
However, they can:
- Provide moral support
- take notes
- help with case papers
- and give quiet suggestions if you are struggling
All of this can be of enormous support if you are representing yourself in a domestic abuse or violence case.
We have a group of McKenzie Friends who are trained through us by an extraordinary panel organised by HH Dawn Freedman. They can accompany you to court, help keep you calm, focused, and help you manage the day which can be daunting for some.
"I cannot thank you enough ... for finding me a McKenzie Friend at the 11th hour and easing my way into the courtroom. Although I'm exhausted, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted, and it's thanks to you and the McKenzie Friend volunteer. It made a huge difference having visible support in court yesterday, and I'm really glad you managed to make it happen for me."
'Shosh', 41