In his article, (NLJ, 25 February 2011, p 269), Peter Thompson QC suggests that McKenzie Friends are in trouble...
In his article, (NLJ, 25 February 2011, p 269), Peter Thompson QC suggests that McKenzie Friends are in trouble. This is worrying when proposed cuts to legal advice and assistance mean that many of those on low incomes will have no access to qualified help to enable them to defend themselves against claims or to access their rights.
I am a solicitor who gave up the practice of commercial litigation to work with a charity Z2K which recruits, trains and deploys volunteers to act as McKenzie Friends for those facing claims for essential household bills including rent, council tax and utility bills and also small fines.
Most of these cases are heard in magistrates courts to which the Practice Guidance does not apply except within its family jurisdiction. In those courts magistrates welcome with open arms any kind of intervention which will help matters progress more quickly and produce a more just outcome than can be achieved when defendants are either absent or present but too
