What is it called when you represent yourself in court? In the UK, we call that appearing “"in person” and someone who conducts litigation that way is called a “"litigant-in-person”. In Latin, pro se; in life, a fool.*
As a general rule it is much better to have an attorney represent you, particularly if the stakes are high, the issues complex and the amounts of money involved large. In some limited circumstances it can make sense to represent oneself.
"Of counsel" lawyers: Many firms will also develop an affiliation with one or more lawyers under an "of counsel" arrangement. The types of arrangements that can be called "of counsel" are sometimes hard to neatly define, but it usually is something more than a part-time contracting relationship.
Partners: People commonly refer to the owners of a law firm as being the "partners." Partners are usually the most experienced lawyers in a firm and, consequently, they charge the highest fees and receive a share of the overall profits. Depending on the legal structure of the firm, they might be called "Members" or "Shareholders."
A lawyer representation letter, sometimes called a legal letter of representation, is a document your lawyer sends to the opposing lawyers, called “opposing counsel”, which explains that they are now your legal representative. The letter explains that they, as the lawyer, now represent your interests in the legal case.
An opposing counsel is a lawyer or attorney representing an opposing party in a lawsuit. In a legal dispute, you'll typically have the plaintiff represented by an attorney along with the defendant also legally represented. The plaintiff's attorney is the opposing counsel to the defendant's attorney and vice-versa.
There are no special rules for representing friends and relatives – lawyers who provide legal assistance to relatives are bound by the same rules that apply to any lawyer-client relationship.
If the other party is represented by a solicitor you should refer to them as 'My friend'. If the other party is acting as a litigant in person you should refer to them as 'the claimant/defendant' or 'Mr/Mrs/Miss ……. '.
Brother/Sister: When speaking to the court, attorneys often refer to opposing counsel as “My Brother” or “My Sister”. The attorneys are not related, they use this reference because they are looked upon as brethren in the law.
Adversary System. The system of trial practice in the United States and some other countries in which each of the opposing, or adversary, parties has full opportunity to present and establish opposing contentions before the court.
An advocate can represent their family members, except in the following situations: An advocate shall not appear in any case in which the outcome of the case will benefit him/her monetarily.
The California Rules generally permit a lawyer to represent multiple clients with conflicting interests so long as all the clients have provided their informed written consent.
Definition: Acting on one's own behalf in court, without the assistance of a lawyer or other advocate.
An attorney does not only represent their client in civil and criminal proceedings but can also be charged with the duty of drafting various documents such as wills, contracts, registering companies, trademarks and the transfer of immovable property.
What Do the Terms "Pro Se" and "Pro Per" Mean? Judges and lawyers typically refer to defendants who represent themselves with the terms "pro se" (pronounced pro say) or "pro per." Both come from Latin and essentially mean "for one's own person."
Lawyers also serve as a counselor in terms of listening, reassuring, guiding and advising clients. Many lawyers in this current crisis are unsure of what they are going to do to aid their clients. With many courts effectively closed in many respects, many lawyers are struggling to see their role.