Supporting Justice and Empowering Litigants: My Journey as a McKenzie Friend

Even for the most knowledgeable and skilled individual, navigating the legal system is daunting. I learnt (and am still learning) the ropes on the job. I was told that my law books wouldn't help me much in the reality of day to day legal practice. That was very true. Whether I was challenging a school exclusion decision on an education law matter, working on boundary disputes in property litigation matters, or representing a deceased's relative in the Coroner's Court - I had to learn the processes, not just the legal aspects. So imagine trying to prepare your own case and then do your own advocacy without knowing anything about the legal system. That's when you need a friend - a McKenzie Friend.

What Is a McKenzie Friend?

For those unfamiliar, a McKenzie Friend provides support to individuals representing themselves in court. While not necessarily a legally qualified person, a McKenzie Friend can offer guidance, help organise papers, take notes, and provide quiet advice during hearings. For many litigants in person, this support can make a world of difference - turning confusion into clarity, and fear into focus.

My role as a McKenzie Friend was grounded in empathy. I was, and will forever remain passionate about access to justice for all. I aimed to bridge the gap between people and the process - helping litigants with constrained financial means feel heard, prepared, and empowered to present their case effectively. It was about helping people find their voice and confidence in the justice process.

Civil Litigation and Everyday Justice

My experience in civil litigation has taught me that legal disputes are rarely about the law; they’re about people’s lives, homes, and relationships.

Many of my clients had never set foot in a courtroom before. Through training and preparation, I helped them to understand courtroom procedure, etiquette, and strategy, empowering them to represent themselves with dignity and impact. That can be challenging in itself because even I struggled with the deference aspect and the 'much obliged' side of things, particularly when I undertook advocacy training. But all in all, it's about helping individuals build the confidence to present their case, question effectively, and structure their arguments clearly.

Back in the mid-1990s, whilst I was undertaking my studies for the Institute of Legal Executives - ILEX (now Chartered Institute of Legal Executives - CILEX) exams, I volunteered with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), offering free advice to members of the community who couldn't afford to engage a legal representative on the High Street. The CAB’s mission aligns perfectly with my own - ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or income, has access to justice and legal advice.

Volunteering deepened my awareness of everyday issues - debt, housing, employment, family breakdown and how they intersect with the legal system. It has also reinforced my belief that clear, compassionate advice can change lives.

A Human Approach to the Law

At the heart of everything I do, whether as a McKenzie Friend, educator, or in practice management, is the belief that justice should be accessible, understandable, and humane. The law isn’t just about rules; it’s about equity, problem-solving, and giving people the tools to stand up for themselves. Through ongoing training, experience, and community engagement, I strive to make a small but meaningful contribution to that vision - supporting those who need a hand navigating the complexities of civil justice.

During my studies, I was once permitted to observe a consumer case in chambers. It lasted about 2 minutes and the District Judge said to me, "Well, you didn't learn much today, Mr Barwick!".

But I did.

You learn from every single person you meet in life and that knowledge should be shared.