I’m Tammy, a current pro se in federal court. Here’s my background:
• Bachelors of Business Administration (Accounting)
• Accountant/Auditor (Corporate, Nonprofit, and Small Business)
• Navy Veteran (Radar and Tower Air Traffic Controller)
• Pro Se Advocate
I’ve represented myself 4.5+ years. I made mistakes, learned, and recovered. Here’s what I discovered:
1. Successfully representing yourself takes a lot of research and time. It can be done if you’re strategic, assertive, and shrewd when rules are violated.
2. The truth and a mountain of evidence is not a guarantee of success. A police detective stated my civil evidence also supports criminal charges. Even so, an unethical lawyer and biased judge can obstruct your pursuit of justice.
3. Learning and using the rules and professional codes of conduct are key. Unethical lawyers and judges rely on your ignorance. If you don’t know the rules, you can’t use them to protect your rights.
4. Lawyers and judges unfairly gatekeep the legal system, so be prepared to fight for your rights. “People without lawyers are mistreated by the legal system.” Retired Judge Richard Posner (7th Circuit US Court of Appeals).
5. There are rules against it, but some lawyers will lie. They will lie to you, the judge, potential witnesses, and in court filings. Don’t be naive like I was.
6. Some judges harbor anti pro se bias. It is often unchallenged because pro ses are intimidated, or they don’t know how to counteract it. That was me until I began to fight back by citing the rules and codes of conduct that were being violated.
7. To avoid being blindsided, expect lawyer misconduct early. In the 1st hearing, the lawyer misrepresented facts. I was stunned because Rule 3.3 (Duty of Candor) states lawyers must be honest. I witnessed Rules and Reality clash, and the Rules were left in a bloody motionless heap. It shook me to my core.
8. Perseverance and Resilience are a lifeline. There will be frustration and setbacks, but a mental toughness will help (it definitely helped me).
9. Organization is very important. Start early; you’ll thank yourself for it.
10. You’re saving money by representing yourself, but there are other substantial expenses. Litigation can be expensive, especially depositions and transcripts.
I began Pro Se Prep because the legal system is not what it claims to be. I wish someone warned me and provided this kind of straight talk and consolidated resource to help me better prepare for my pro se journey. It is my hope that Pro Se Prep helps my fellow self represented litigants better prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. Feel free to explore the site, resources, and opportunity to support the site and my efforts. Please remember, all information provided on this website is general in nature and definitely not legal advice. Please contact an ethical attorney in your jurisdiction if you are seeking legal advice.
“Knowing the system well enough to be taken seriously is a major step and a victory in itself.”